ATHENS — Authorities across parts of southern Europe warned residents to avoid exposure to toxic smoke as wildfires continued to burn in Greece, Portugal and Spain, with firefighters battling multiple blazes amid hot, dry and windy conditions that have heightened the region's summer fire risk.
Greek civil protection authorities urged people in affected areas near Thessaloniki to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed after a wildfire engulfed a recycling facility, sending hazardous smoke across nearby communities. Officials said the health advisory was issued because of concerns over air quality, while emergency services continued efforts to contain the fire.
Elsewhere in Greece, firefighters, supported by aircraft, helicopters and volunteers, worked to contain additional fires west of Athens and in other fire-prone areas. Authorities said evacuations were ordered where necessary as shifting winds complicated firefighting operations.
Portugal remained under pressure from large wildfires that prompted international assistance, with firefighters from neighboring countries joining local crews to tackle fast-moving flames. Spanish emergency services also responded to multiple fires as elevated temperatures and dry vegetation increased the likelihood of rapid fire spread across parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
European authorities have warned that persistent heat and drought have extended fire danger across broad areas of southern and western Europe. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre said fire danger forecasts indicated extreme to very extreme conditions in parts of the Iberian Peninsula and other regions, while the area burned across the European Union this year remained above the long-term average despite staying below the record levels seen in 2025.
Officials continued to advise residents in smoke-affected areas to limit outdoor activity, particularly children, older adults and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Emergency agencies also urged the public to follow evacuation instructions and avoid activities that could ignite new fires.
The wildfires followed an exceptionally warm start to the European summer, with authorities and researchers warning that prolonged heat and dry conditions have increased the likelihood of severe fire outbreaks. Fire services across the region remained on high alert on Friday as forecasts suggested dangerous fire weather would persist in several affected areas over the coming days.
