Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes and holiday camps as deadly wildfires continue to rage across parts of Italy, France and Spain amid scorching temperatı" and strong winds.
At least three firefighters have lost their lives battling the blazes, while temperatures have climbed above 40 degrees Celsius in several areas. Authorities say the extreme weather is worsening fire conditions across the region.
In Italy, about 6,000 firefighters, forest guards and civil protection personnel are battling dozens of fires across Sicily. Officials say the situation remains critical, with the fires being fuelled by dry vegetation and intense heat.
More than 160 fires have also been reported in the Calabria region, where authorities suspect several were deliberately started.
In France, more than 10,000 tourists have been evacuated from campsites and holiday accommodation near Bordeaux after a wildfire swept through thousands of hectares of pine forest.
Hundreds of residents have also been moved to safety, while firefighters continue efforts to contain the blaze.
Meanwhile, in Spain, firefighters have made progress in containing a major wildfire south of Madrid, allowing many evacuated residents to return home.
However, emergency crews are still battling another large fire in Guadalajara province, which has already destroyed about 32,000 hectares of land.
Scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and wildfires, making such extreme weather events more severe and difficult to control.
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