Southern Europe battles fast-spreading wildfires as thousands flee

Wildfires continue to spread across parts of southern Europe, forcing evacuations and placing increasing pressure on emergency services in France, Spain and Italy.

Authorities and firefighters are working to contain several major blazes as high temperatures and dry conditions continue to fuel the spread of fires across the region.

France wildfire spreads across Provence

In southern France, the largest wildfire in Provence this summer has burned around 1,700 hectares in the Var department.

The blaze broke out near Pontevès on Tuesday and spread towards the towns of Cotignac, Correns and Montfort.

Around 800 firefighters, supported by aircraft and helicopters, have been deployed to tackle the flames. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated as a precaution, while several roads have been closed because of the ongoing emergency.

• Wildfire in southern France kills one person, with flames progressing 'quickly'
• Firefighters battle deadly wildfire in southern Spain

Spain's La Mierla wildfire threatens communities

In central Spain, firefighters and local residents joined forces to prevent the La Mierla wildfire from reaching nearby communities.

The fire has already burned more than 30,000 hectares and forced the evacuation of 34 municipalities.

Before emergency crews arrived, residents used tractors and water tanks to create firebreaks in an effort to slow the advance of the flames.

Sicily fires destroy olive groves

Meanwhile, in Sicily, wildfires have devastated olive groves near Godrano, destroying this year's harvest and damaging trees needed for future production.

More than 100 emergency operations were carried out across the island on Tuesday as temperatures rose above 40C.

The extreme heat and dry conditions have made firefighting efforts more difficult, with crews continuing operations to bring the blazes under control.

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