Europe's Wildfire Season Exposes Gaps in Preparedness

Massive wildfires are burning across Europe this summer, from Belgium and Greece to Spain, Italy and France, according to France 24. The scale of the blazes, which have forced evacuations and caused deaths, has prompted questions about whether the continent is facing a 'new normal' of fire seasons.

Alexander Held, Senior Expert at the European Forest Institute, told France 24 that fires are spreading into unexpected areas, including regions not historically prone to such events. The analysis comes as Italy's own fire season has stretched from Sicily and Calabria to the Alps, with data showing a significant toll.

The Local Italy reported that Italy has spent the summer fighting wildfires, with questions emerging over who is responsible for setting them. The data highlights a season that is not yet over, with the South and islands bearing a heavy burden.