Hundreds escape Greek wildfire by sea as blazes continue across Europe

The fire further along the coast burnt through farmland before moving through the rural town of Xironomi.Firefighters on Crete continue to tackle persistent hotspots in a wildfire that has torched thousands of hectares of land and prompted the temporary evacuation of 8,000 people.Fires have also broken out on the islands of Paros, Andros and Kalymnos.Most wildfires are sparked by humans, whether intentionally or accidentally, but Climate Change is making the conditions for them more common.ReutersA wildfire on Crete has burnt through thousands of hectares of landLast winter was mild and wet, encouraging vegetation growth, which has then dried out in successive hot spells, generating fuel for wildfires.In Spain, more than 200,000 hectares of land has burnt in 2026 - roughly five times above the average by this point in the year - while the burnt land in Portugal is also higher than usual, EU data shows.Hundreds of firefighters battled a blaze near Valpaços in northern Portugal that has torn through 15,000 hectares including vineyards and olive groves, news agency Lusa reported, citing officials. Five people have been injured by the fire, which has been burning since Tuesday.