Blazes across several European countries have injured emergency responders and civilians, with four people hospitalised in the West Midlands and around 500 evacuated in southwest France as extreme heat fuels the fires, according to the Guardian.
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Key facts
- Three firefighters and a child were among four people hospitalised in Stourbridge, West Midlands, the Guardian reported.
- Homes were damaged in the West Midlands fires.
- Around 500 people were evacuated in southwest France.
- Fires were also burning in Greece, France and Croatia.
- Andy Burnham said he was in touch with local leaders and emergency services responding to the West Midlands fire, according to the Guardian.
Wildfires are burning across multiple European countries, including the UK, Greece, France and Croatia, as extreme heat grips the continent, according to the Guardian’s live coverage.
In the West Midlands, England, four people were taken to hospital following fires in Stourbridge. The Guardian reported that three firefighters and a child were among those hospitalised, and that homes were damaged in the blazes.
Responding to the wildfire in the West Midlands, Andy Burnham said his thoughts were with everyone affected. “I’m in touch with local leaders like [West Midlands Mayor] Richard Parker and will be speaking to emergency services on the ground as they continue their response,” he said, according to the Guardian.
Burnham praised the emergency response, saying: “Our firefighters are working in incredibly difficult conditions and putting themselves at risk to keep others safe. A huge thank you to them and everyone supporting the effort tonight.” He urged people to “stay safe and follow their advice.”
In southwest France, around 500 people were evacuated as fires spread, according to the Guardian. The outlet reported that fires were also affecting Greece and Croatia, though further details of the damage in those countries were not immediately specified.
The events form part of a wider pattern of wildfires and extreme heat across Europe, which the Guardian has linked to the ongoing climate crisis in its coverage of the unfolding situation.
Why it matters
Wildfires driven by extreme heat are causing injuries, damaging homes and forcing evacuations across several European countries at once, straining emergency services. The scale of the fires highlights the human cost of extreme weather events the Guardian has linked to the climate crisis.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were hospitalised in the West Midlands?
Four people were taken to hospital in Stourbridge, West Midlands, including three firefighters and a child, according to the Guardian.
Which countries are affected by the wildfires?
The Guardian reported fires burning across the UK, Greece, France and Croatia.
How many people were evacuated in France?
Around 500 people were evacuated in southwest France, according to the Guardian.
Timeline
- Three firefighters and a child hospitalised in England as fires blaze in UK, Greece, France and Croatia – Europe live
The Guardian World: Four people taken to hospital in Stourbridge, West Midlands with 500 people evacuated in southwest France Four taken to hospital and homes damaged in West Midlands fires UK prime minister Andy Burnham also responded to the wildfire in West Midlands, saying his thoughts are with e