The Independent
·Aug 2026
Europe on fire as record-breaking temperatures hit continent
Record-breaking heat and severe drought fueled wildfires across France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Croatia, Albania and Greece, prompting mass evacuations, destroying homes and leaving people hospitalized. France faced its driest year on record, while England and Wales experienced their driest July since records began. Firefighting efforts in Germany were hindered by unexploded World War II munitions, and Croatia’s fires were intensified by strong winds. Belgium and the Netherlands faced further heat and water shortages. France also shut down six nuclear reactors because low, warm river water could not safely support normal cooling operations, while EDF said the closures had minimal effect on electricity production.