Wtech acquisition strengthens European fire protection reach for APi Group

by Featured News

Expansion of fire suppression scale through Wtech purchase

APi Group Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wtech Fire Group to expand fire sprinkler and suppression capabilities across several European markets.

The Minnesota-based APi Group Corporation (APG) announced the transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

This acquisition targets Wtech Fire Group (Wtech) which operates as a provider of fire protection, suppression and detection solutions.

The deal remains subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals.

Integration of Wtech into international business

Headquartered in Ireland, Wtech serves markets including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Germany and the Nordic region.

Wtech is expected to contribute approximately $175 million in annual revenue.

The margin profile of the Irish firm is consistent with the existing international business of APG.

Fire sprinkler and suppression services are identified as a key growth area for the company’s international operations.

Russ Becker, APi’s President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “We are excited to welcome the Wtech team to the APi family.

“Our international business has built real strength in fire alarm and detection, and electronic security, fire sprinkler and suppression is an area where we need greater scale to truly serve our customers end-to-end.

“Wtech fills that gap nicely, and their expertise in this space makes them a natural fit.

“We are pleased to have Ted Wright continue to lead the Wtech business after closing and are confident that, under APi’s ownership, there is a significant runway for Wtech to grow both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”

Strategic alignment and leadership

Ted Wright will continue to lead the business following the completion of the transaction. The acquisition provides a global platform and resources to deliver fire and life safety solutions on a greater scale.

Ted Wright, Wtech Fire Group’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “Joining APi Group marks a transformational moment for Wtech and is a reflection of everything our team has worked so hard to build.

“From day one, it was clear that APi’s values, a commitment to safety, entrepreneurial leadership, and long-term investment in their people, align closely with our own values and culture at Wtech.

“Our customers trust us to deliver high-quality fire and life safety solutions, and being part of APi’s global platform gives us the resources and reach to do that on an even greater scale.

“I’m incredibly proud of what the Wtech team has achieved, and I’m excited about what we will accomplish together as part of the APi family.”

The transaction positions the company to offer end-to-end fire and life safety solutions across Europe.

Euralarm requests longer transition periods for life safety systems

by Featured NewsFire DetectionIndustry CommentSafety

Euralarm warns of safety gaps in Digital Networks Act

Euralarm published a position paper in April 2026 addressing Article 5.4 of the proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) to highlight concerns regarding network technology migration timelines for life-safety services.

The trade association stated that the currently proposed two-year notice period for decommissioning existing network technologies is insufficient for the fire and security sectors.

Millions of installed devices across Europe including fire alarm transmission systems and social alarms rely on public electronic communications networks to transmit emergency signals.

These life-safety systems are being impacted as network operators progressively phase out older technologies in favour of modern alternatives.

Euralarm noted that transitions often require physical hardware replacement and product redesign alongside on-site installation and certification.

Completing these large-scale migrations within the suggested two-year window is described as operationally unrealistic.

Proposed seven year transition for Euralarm members

Euralarm calls for Article 5.4 to require notification at least seven years in advance when network changes lead to the discontinuation of services on existing devices.

A seven-year transition window allows industry providers to develop and certify replacement technologies while scaling manufacturing and supply chains.

The association explained: “Euralarm has published a position paper on Article 5.4 of the proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA), welcoming the objective of improving transparency around network technology migrations while warning that the currently proposed two-year notice period is insufficient for life-safety services.”

“Fire safety, security and social alarm systems across Europe rely heavily on public electronic communications networks to transmit emergency signals.”

“Millions of installed devices – including fire alarm transmission systems, intruder alarms and telecare equipment for elderly and vulnerable citizens – depend on existing network technologies that are progressively being phased out.”

This timeframe supports the organisation of equipment replacement programmes and coordination of installations with building owners.

The extended period is intended to maintain uninterrupted services for vulnerable users and protect critical safety systems.

EU policymakers are urged to clarify the final text of the Digital Networks Act to ensure life-safety services are considered.

How Europe’s growing firefighter workforce reveals new budget priorities

by Featured NewsPeople

EU spending on fire protection services rises

Eurostat has reported that EU governments spent EUR 40.6 billion on fire protection services in 2023.

In 2022, the total expenditure stood at EUR 37.4 billion.

The increase represents an 8.5% rise year on year.

Eurostat said fire protection consistently accounted for 0.5% of total government expenditure from 2017 through 2023.

Romania recorded the highest proportion of spending on fire protection services in 2023 at 0.9% of total government expenditure.

Estonia and Greece followed at 0.7% each.

Denmark reported the lowest share at 0.1%, followed by Malta at 0.2% and Portugal and Austria at 0.3% each.

Bulgaria’s firefighter employment and budgets

According to Eurostat, Bulgaria allocated EUR 229.1 million to fire protection services in 2023.

This represented 0.6% of its total government expenditure, the same share as 2022.

The figure nevertheless rose from EUR 197.4 million in 2022, reflecting an increase of more than EUR 30 million.

In employment terms, Bulgaria had 7,000 firefighters in 2024 out of a workforce of 3 million.

This represented 0.24% of total employment.

The figure grew from 6,500 firefighters in 2023, equivalent to 0.22% of the country’s workforce.

EU firefighter workforce grows

Eurostat reported that in 2024 the EU had 390,600 professional firefighters.

This represented 0.19% of the total EU workforce.

Compared to 2023, the number of firefighters increased by 28,200.

Among 20 EU countries with available data, Croatia had the highest proportion of firefighters in employment at 0.45%.

Greece followed with 0.41% and Czechia with 0.34%.

The Netherlands recorded the lowest proportion at 0.07%, followed by Denmark at 0.08% and Sweden at 0.10%.

Firefighter age distribution

Eurostat noted that in 2024, 75.2% of all professional firefighters in the EU were aged between 15 and 49.

This compared with 64.8% of all EU employees in the same age range.

The data indicated that firefighting is characterised by a relatively younger workforce compared to general employment.

Long-term trends in spending

Eurostat explained that while expenditure on fire protection services has increased in absolute numbers, its share of total government expenditure has remained stable.

The share has consistently held at 0.5% across the EU since 2017.

This trend demonstrates that rising fire safety budgets reflect broader increases in government expenditure across multiple areas rather than a higher relative prioritisation of fire protection.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

These figures provide an EU-wide perspective on firefighter employment levels and government funding.

They give context on how member states resource fire protection services relative to national budgets.

The data highlights variations between countries, which may inform comparative analysis of workforce planning, age distribution, and resource allocation.

For professionals, this provides insight into budgetary trends and employment capacity that influence operational planning across the EU.

EU firefighters and fire protection spending increase: Summary

Eurostat has reported that EU governments spent EUR 40.6 billion on fire protection services in 2023.

The expenditure was EUR 37.4 billion in 2022.

This reflected an 8.5% increase.

Fire protection has accounted for 0.5% of total EU government expenditure since 2017.

Romania spent 0.9% of its total government expenditure on fire protection in 2023.

Estonia and Greece both recorded 0.7%.

Denmark reported 0.1%.

Bulgaria allocated EUR 229.1 million in 2023 compared to EUR 197.4 million in 2022.

Bulgaria employed 7,000 firefighters in 2024 compared with 6,500 in 2023.

This represented 0.24% of its workforce in 2024.

The EU employed 390,600 firefighters in 2024.

This represented 0.19% of total EU employment.

Compared with 2023, the EU workforce increased by 28,200.

Croatia had the highest proportion of firefighters in employment at 0.45%.

Greece followed with 0.41%.

The Netherlands reported 0.07%.

Across the EU, 75.2% of firefighters were aged 15 to 49 in 2024.

In total EU employment, 64.8% were in that age group.

Wildfire smoke in Europe linked to higher short-term mortality, study finds

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyResearchWildland Fire

Research highlights mortality risks from wildfire smoke

The Lancet – Planetary Health has published a study showing that wildfire smoke increases short-term mortality across Europe, with respiratory deaths most affected.

The study analysed daily mortality records from 654 regions across 32 countries between 2004 and 2022, covering a population of 541 million people.

Researchers found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke carried greater health risks than PM2.5 from other sources.

Relative risks for cardiovascular and respiratory deaths were higher when linked specifically to wildfire smoke, with respiratory mortality showing the strongest association.

The authors concluded that previous studies underestimated the health burden of wildfire smoke when treating it as equivalent to other types of particulate pollution.

Methodology and dataset explained

The study used the EARLY-ADAPT database to obtain mortality records alongside PM2.5 exposure estimates from the SILAM atmospheric model.

The dataset included more than 95 million daily all-cause deaths, nearly 20 million cardiovascular deaths, and almost 4 million respiratory deaths recorded during the study period.

Associations were calculated using quasi-Poisson regression, assessing the impact of incremental increases in wildfire-related PM2.5.

The researchers noted that fire-related PM2.5 exposure led to stronger mortality associations compared with non-fire sources of PM2.5.

The analysis indicated that using general PM2.5 measures underestimated deaths from wildfire smoke by as much as 93 per cent.

Findings on mortality associations

The study reported that pooled results showed a relative risk of 1.007 for all-cause mortality, 1.009 for cardiovascular mortality, and 1.013 for respiratory mortality per 1 μg/m³ increase in wildfire PM2.5.

The team found that respiratory mortality was particularly sensitive to wildfire-related particles compared with other causes.

Comparisons with previous studies showed similar patterns in France, Italy and Romania, where risk estimates aligned with global datasets.

The researchers suggested that higher toxicity, oxidative potential, and exposure intensity during wildfire events could explain the stronger associations.

Wildfire smoke exposure was described as distinct from background pollution, with periods of very high exposure followed by little to none, unlike continuous urban air pollution.

Climate change and wildfire exposure

The analysis explained that climate change is a key driver of wildfire frequency and intensity across Europe.

Estimates suggest burned areas in Europe could rise by 200 per cent this century if no adaptation measures are introduced.

Even moderate climate change scenarios predict major increases in catastrophic fire risk in southern Europe, with central and northern Europe also becoming more vulnerable during droughts.

Human activity was identified as the cause of 96 per cent of wildfire ignitions in Europe, but weather, vegetation and topography determined fire spread.

The researchers linked climate change, wildfire spread, and smoke exposure in a feedback loop, with each element amplifying the others.

Regional variations in effects

The study indicated that health impacts varied across European regions.

For Portugal and Spain, associations between wildfire smoke and mortality were weaker or imprecise, which researchers said might reflect fire management strategies or adaptation efforts.

Rural populations were reported to be more heavily exposed than urban populations because of their proximity to wildfire sources.

The analysis found that mortality risks were consistent even when accounting for additional pollutants such as ozone.

However, it noted that disentangling the independent effects of wildfire smoke and ozone remains an area requiring further research.

Strengths and limitations of the study

The researchers highlighted that the multicountry dataset provided comprehensive coverage across urban and rural populations.

The SILAM model allowed the team to distinguish wildfire-related PM2.5 from other sources, supporting direct comparison between exposure types.

Limitations included reduced statistical power in estimating risks by age or sex, as fire-related PM2.5 exposure was less variable than general pollution.

Mortality data availability differed by country, which limited subnational analysis in certain areas.

The study added that exposure misclassification could not be fully ruled out and may have led to underestimates of health effects.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The findings demonstrate the direct public health burden linked to wildfire smoke exposure across Europe.

Fire and safety professionals may need to factor air quality impacts into wildfire risk management and community protection strategies.

Emergency planning, firefighter safety, and post-fire recovery measures can benefit from understanding the mortality risks linked to smoke exposure.

The research also reinforces the importance of considering climate change as a driver of future wildfire hazards in Europe.

Wildfire smoke in Europe linked to higher short-term mortality, study finds: Summary

The Lancet – Planetary Health reported that wildfire smoke is linked to increased short-term mortality in Europe.

The study used data from 654 regions in 32 countries, covering 541 million people.

Researchers found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke had higher relative risks for mortality than PM2.5 from other sources.

Respiratory deaths showed the strongest association with wildfire smoke exposure.

All-cause mortality risk increased by 0.7 per cent per 1 μg/m³ increase in fire-related PM2.5.

Cardiovascular mortality risk increased by 0.9 per cent under the same conditions.

Respiratory mortality risk increased by 1.3 per cent for the same increment.

Using total PM2.5 underestimated wildfire-related deaths by 93 per cent.

The analysis covered daily mortality records from 2004 to 2022.

The SILAM atmospheric model was used to estimate PM2.5 sources and levels.

Rural populations were more heavily exposed than urban populations.

Regional variations were observed, with weaker associations in Portugal and Spain.

The researchers linked climate change to increased wildfire risk in Europe.

They said wildfires in Europe are 96 per cent human-caused in origin.

They noted climate change amplifies wildfire size, duration and spread.

The dataset included more than 95 million daily all-cause deaths.

It also recorded nearly 20 million cardiovascular and 4 million respiratory deaths.

The research indicated stronger effects for respiratory outcomes compared with other mortality causes.

The authors said estimates of wildfire smoke health burdens should be based on fire-specific data.

How Europe’s wildfire season turned into a continent-wide emergency

by Aerial FirefightingBreaking NewsWildland Fire

Spain expands military wildfire response

National news reports said Spain has deployed 500 additional soldiers to fight wildfires, bringing the total to 1,900 military personnel.

According to AP News, Reuters and Sky News, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed the new deployment as Spain battles 14 major blazes across Galicia, Castile and Leon, and Extremadura.

Regional authorities in Galicia reported homes under threat, evacuations in progress and major road and rail closures.

Spain’s weather agency AEMET forecast temperatures up to 45C, warning of “extreme” risk conditions across much of the country.

The European Forest Fire Information System said 158,000 hectares have burned in Spain this year, nearly double the average and an area comparable to metropolitan London.

International reinforcements sent to Iberian Peninsula

Virginia Barcones, head of Spain’s Civil Protection Agency, told RTVE that Dutch firefighting planes are joining aircraft already provided by France and Italy.

National news reports said reinforcements from other EU member states are expected in the coming days.

The Civil Protection Agency added that international crews will help stabilise fires in Galicia and Zamora province.

Rail operator Renfe suspended high-speed trains between Madrid and Galicia, while authorities urged residents to wear masks to guard against heavy smoke.

Portugal’s Civil Protection Agency reported more than 4,000 firefighters supported by 17 aircraft are engaged in operations across the country.

The Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests estimated 139,000 hectares burned in Portugal this year, 17 times higher than the same period in 2024.

Turkish fires threaten Gallipoli peninsula

National news reports said Turkey has recorded 19 wildfire deaths since June and evacuated six villages in Çanakkale province.

Governor Omer Toraman confirmed evacuations as 1,300 personnel and 30 aircraft fought fires close to the Gallipoli peninsula.

Visitor facilities and cemeteries linked to the First World War campaign were closed as flames advanced.

The Directorate of Forestry said hundreds of fires have occurred across Turkey this summer due to heat, wind and drought.

Authorities said the number and intensity of incidents are the highest in years.

Major incidents in Castile and Leon and Extremadura

National news reports said one of Spain’s largest recorded wildfires, near Molezuelas de la Carballeda in Castile and Leon, spread at 4,000 hectares per hour before slowing.

In Extremadura, a blaze near Badajoz consumed 2,500 hectares within hours before being contained, according to government delegate José Luis Quintana.

The fires caused extensive road closures during peak holiday travel.

Police said arrests have been made for breaches of fire restrictions and suspected arson, including in Ourense and Costa da Morte.

According to the EU’s fire service, more than 157,000 hectares have burned in Spain this year.

In Portugal, five major fires remain active, including one near Trancoso that has burned for six days.

EU Civil Protection Mechanism activated

According to the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), Spain activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for forest fires for the first time in August.

Two rescEU planes based in France were deployed to assist.

Greece activated the mechanism on 12 August, with Swedish aircraft and firefighters from Czechia, Moldova and Romania sent to support operations.

Bulgaria received air support from six countries, while Albania and Montenegro also received rescEU aircraft from neighbouring EU states.

The European Commission said the mechanism has been activated 16 times this season, matching the total for all of 2024.

The Copernicus satellite service has also been deployed to monitor fires in Greece, Spain and Bulgaria.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The scale of the 2025 wildfire season highlights the importance of international coordination in firefighting.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism demonstrates how multinational resources can be mobilised quickly to support national responses.

The extreme weather conditions recorded across southern Europe illustrate the increasing pressures on firefighting capacity and the need for cross-border resource planning.

Professionals in the sector can monitor how international systems and satellite data are integrated into operational response.

EU mobilises as southern Europe battles wildfires: Summary

Spain has deployed 500 additional soldiers to fight wildfires, bringing the total to 1,900.

According to national news reports, the country is battling 14 major blazes across Galicia, Castile and Leon, and Extremadura.

Portugal has more than 4,000 firefighters deployed and 139,000 hectares have burned this year.

Turkey has reported 19 deaths since June and evacuations in Çanakkale province.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated 16 times this season, matching the total for all of 2024.

Aircraft and personnel have been sent from France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Czechia, Romania and other countries.

The European Forest Fire Information System said 158,000 hectares have burned in Spain so far in 2025.

Authorities reported road and rail closures, evacuations and arrests linked to fire restrictions.

The European Commission said Copernicus satellite monitoring has been deployed in Greece, Spain and Bulgaria.

National news reports said smoke has reached the UK, affecting skies.

Europe’s extreme heat and wildfires: a factual Q&A

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

This article examines the record-breaking summer heat and wildfire outbreaks currently affecting Europe, drawing on an AP News report and further verified data.

It addresses the scale of the heatwave, why Europe is warming faster than other regions, how 2024 set new temperature records, and the connection between climate change and wildfire risk.

It also outlines the locations and severity of ongoing fires, national heat alerts, and the operational implications for fire and safety professionals.

What’s been happening with wildfires in Europe?

An AP News report published on 12 August 2025 describes record summer heat across Europe driving simultaneous wildfires in Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, and Turkey, with further heat in the United Kingdom.

The report notes temperatures above 40 °C, evacuations in multiple regions, and a death near Madrid, while emphasising that Europe is warming faster than the global average.

Q1. How severe is the heat right now?

Southern France has reached over 43 °C, as documented in an AP Paris update on the heatwave.

Across the continent, a photo brief from AP captures the breadth of conditions, including 43 °C in the south of France, in this visual report on Europe’s heatwave.

In England, the Met Office says heatwave criteria are likely to be met again, with thresholds based on three consecutive days above regional trigger values, as set out in the Met Office definition of a heatwave.

Q2. Is Europe really warming faster than the rest of the world?

Yes, the European Union’s climate service states Europe is the fastest-warming continent, warming at roughly twice the global average since the 1980s, in the Copernicus State of the Climate in Europe.

Copernicus also explains why regional factors amplify warming in the continent in this primer on why Europe is heating faster than the rest of the world.

The European Environment Agency quantifies the rise as more than 2.2 °C over land relative to pre-industrial conditions in its indicator on global and European temperatures.

Q3. Was last year a record-breaker?

The warmest year on record globally was 2024, according to the Copernicus Global Climate report, which also notes the first calendar year with the global average above 1.5 °C.

The World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate 2024 corroborates the record and details associated indicators in the WMO summary report.

Q4. What is the link between climate change and these heat and wildfire extremes?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that human activities, principally greenhouse gases from fossil fuel use, have unequivocally caused global warming, as set out in the IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report headline statements.

Observational indicators published in 2025 show 2024 observed warming at 1.52 °C, with most of it human-induced, in the Indicators of Global Climate Change 2024 update.

Q5. Where are the most significant wildfires and evacuations right now?

In Greece, authorities have deployed nearly 5,000 firefighters and 33 aircraft, with evacuations near Patras and on Chios and Zakynthos, according to Reuters’ on-the-ground update.

In Turkey’s Çanakkale province, a major blaze prompted evacuations and temporary closure of the Dardanelles Strait, as reported by Reuters on the Canakkale wildfires.

Shipping suspensions in the strait and sea evacuations have also been noted by maritime outlets, including Hellenic Shipping News on Dardanelles closures.

In Portugal, local and international outlets report about 700 firefighters tackling the Trancoso fire, consistent with AP’s brief and detailed by PBS summarising the Trancoso deployment.

AP’s round-up also lists multiple Spanish regions affected, with evacuations near Madrid and across Castile and León, Castile-La Mancha, Andalusia, and Galicia, as set out in the AP Europe wildfire overview.

Q6. What alerts are in force in France and what do they indicate?

Météo-France has issued high-level heat alerts, including red alert canicule for parts of the south, as shown in the latest national advisory on the Météo-France heatwave and fire risk page.

Local reporting also records multiple departments on red alert while many others remain on orange, as covered in Le Monde’s heatwave coverage.

Q7. How is a heatwave defined in the UK?

A heatwave is recorded when locations meet their regional threshold for three consecutive days, with higher thresholds in and around London, as defined by the Met Office heatwave guidance.

The Met Office has said thresholds are likely to be met again this week across much of southern and central England, as outlined in its media note on a heatwave on the way.

Q8. What are the operational implications if this pattern persists?

Copernicus highlights continued elevated baseline temperatures and more frequent heat extremes, which increase fuel aridity and lengthen the fire-weather season, as evidenced across the latest European State of the Climate assessment.

The WMO warns that back-to-back record years raise risks for health systems, energy reliability, agriculture, and emergency services, as set out in its State of the Global Climate 2024.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

For incident commanders and planners, persistent high-temperature episodes mean earlier and more frequent high-risk burn windows, with faster rates of spread and increased spotting potential, aligning with the fastest-warming-continent signal documented by Copernicus.

For prevention teams, national alerting systems such as red alert canicule and UK heat health alerts should be integrated into local pre-plans and public messaging, cross-checking the latest advisories from Météo-France and the Met Office.

For risk engineers and city authorities, critical infrastructure and industrial interfaces near the wildland-urban edge should be reviewed against current evacuation and closure scenarios seen in Greece and Turkey, drawing practical lessons from Reuters coverage of Greek deployments and Dardanelles shipping suspensions.

Eastern Mediterranean wildfires force evacuations and international firefighting response

by Breaking NewsWildland Fire

Turkey reports 17 deaths in ongoing wildfire operations

Wildfires across Turkey have killed 17 people since late June, according to AP News, with the crisis deepening near the city of Bursa over the weekend.

The Turkish government declared multiple disaster zones as record temperatures and strong winds triggered fast-moving fire outbreaks.

Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said fires were active in several provinces including Bursa, Karabuk and Kahramanmaras, with 3,500 residents evacuated and 3,000 hectares of forest destroyed northeast of Bursa.

A road incident involving firefighting personnel in Aglasan led to the deaths of two volunteers and one firefighter, while another suffered a fatal heart attack at a separate scene.

Ten people also died on 24 July in Eskisehir province during a large-scale response, the ministry confirmed.

Authorities closed a major highway and reported that temperatures reached 50.5°C in Sirnak, the highest on record.

The General Directorate of Meteorology confirmed July records were broken in 132 locations.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated that 97 people in 33 provinces were under investigation in connection to fire activity.

Police intervened in the village of Harmancik after a crowd gathered outside a station demanding the release of a suspected arsonist.

Greece battles wildfires on multiple fronts

Greece is managing widespread fire outbreaks across urban and island regions after a week-long heatwave, with BBC and The Guardian reporting mass evacuations and property damage.

In Kryoneri, a northern suburb of Athens, residents were ordered to evacuate after fires entered residential areas.

Civil protection minister Giannis Kefalogiannis said: “We have injured firefighters, human lives were put at risk, properties have been burned, and forest areas have been destroyed.”

The fire service deployed 145 firefighters, 44 engines, 10 planes and seven helicopters to the area.

Fires remained active in Evia, Kythera, Crete and the Peloponnese, with police patrols deployed to evacuated zones to prevent looting.

A fire near Pissona on Evia destroyed farmland and power infrastructure and resulted in six hospitalisations, according to local officials.

Kythera’s deputy mayor Giorgos Komninos said: “Houses, beehives, olive trees have been burnt… A monastery is in direct danger right now.”

The fire on Kythera had burned approximately 20% of the island by Sunday.

According to Euractiv, Greece requested aircraft via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with Czech and Italian resources arriving first.

Greece’s fire service remains on alert after the country’s most destructive wildfire season in 2023, when 175,000 hectares were burned.

Bulgaria declares disaster zones as fires increase

Bulgaria is experiencing over 230 active wildfires, with AP News reporting that the worst outbreaks are along the southern borders with Greece and Turkey and in the west near Serbia.

The government has declared disaster zones and issued red alerts for nearly half the country due to ongoing extreme temperatures and wind.

In Strumyani, fire crews withdrew from overnight flare-ups and were reinforced by military support.

Residents in Tran were evacuated as flames moved close to residential buildings.

Alexander Djartov, chief of the National Fire Service, said Bulgaria had formally requested international help.

Aircraft from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Hungary and Sweden were due to arrive by Sunday evening.

Authorities said they remain concerned about the risk of new ignitions amid persistent heat and drought.

France reports flare-ups in southern coastal region

In southern France, a wildfire in the Aude region burned 600 hectares on Saturday, as reported by The Guardian.

Strong winds pushed the fire from open land into residential zones, leading to the evacuation of two campgrounds and ten homes.

Authorities confirmed the destruction of two houses and deployed 630 firefighters and a dozen aircraft to the scene.

Three firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.

Local government repurposed a gymnasium as a shelter for displaced residents.

The blaze occurred less than a month after a separate fire in Narbonne burned 2,100 hectares and required 1,000 personnel to control.

Deputy prefect Rémi Recio said windy conditions were complicating containment efforts in the region.

Heatwave and wind amplify fire risk across region

The eastern Mediterranean has seen daily fire activity driven by prolonged drought, high winds and extreme heat, according to data from meteorological authorities and national fire services.

Turkey recorded its highest-ever temperature of 50.5°C in Sirnak, while Greece saw sustained highs above 40°C.

Authorities in all affected countries have warned that extinguished fires may reignite and urged the public to follow emergency instructions.

Emergency services across the region continue to manage widespread evacuations and resource deployment, with support from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Many areas remain under critical alert status due to dry fuel loads, unstable wind patterns and forecasted temperature spikes.

While some fire fronts have been stabilised, others remain uncontrolled.

National leaders continue to coordinate international assistance and monitor infrastructure threats, including highways, power lines and water systems.

Eastern Mediterranean wildfires force evacuations and international firefighting response: Summary

Wildfires have spread across Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and France in July 2025.

All four countries have reported evacuations, fatalities and destroyed property.

According to AP News, Turkey recorded 17 deaths and 3,000 hectares burned near Bursa.

BBC News and The Guardian reported evacuations in Athens suburbs and on islands including Evia and Kythera.

Bulgaria confirmed 236 active fires and has requested international aircraft.

The Guardian reported that southern France deployed 630 firefighters to a fire that burned 600 hectares.

EU Civil Protection Mechanism resources were dispatched to Greece and Bulgaria.

Meteorological authorities recorded Turkey’s highest-ever temperature at 50.5°C.

Disaster zones have been declared in Turkey and Bulgaria.

Governments warned that extinguished fires could reignite due to wind and heat.

Multiple deaths occurred during fire response efforts in Turkey and Greece.

Power, water and transport infrastructure has been affected in several locations.

Integrated wildfire strategy launched to address growing risk in Europe

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

EU meeting proposes continent-wide wildfire strategy

Over 150 wildfire specialists met in Brussels to present a draft strategy to address increasing wildfire risks in Europe.

According to UCP Knowledge Network, the Integrated Wildfire Risk Management (IWRM) Strategy was presented at a two-day event organised by the Firelogue coordination project in cooperation with the EU Research Executive Agency.

The event was supported by four EU Green Deal projects – FirEUrisk, FIRE-RES, SILVANUS, and TREEADS – which have spent the past four years identifying weaknesses in European wildfire risk management.

The strategy proposes a move from reactive national responses to a long-term, coordinated approach across the continent.

Organisers stated that climate change has altered the frequency and distribution of wildfires in Europe, making a shared, systemic approach necessary.

Focus on civil protection and landscape resilience

The IWRM Strategy is intended to support the objectives of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with a particular emphasis on integrating emergency response, land management, public engagement, and digital infrastructure.

UCP Knowledge Network reported that wildfires are increasingly affecting parts of central and northern Europe, beyond the traditionally affected southern regions.

The proposal recommends that national systems shift from treating wildfires as seasonal events to seeing them as continuous governance challenges.

It also calls for stronger investment in local-level civil protection to enable authorities to apply preventative measures in vulnerable areas.

A central theme of the Brussels discussions was the need for wildfire governance to cross administrative and sectoral boundaries.

Turning research into operational tools

The IWRM Strategy includes tools developed through pilot projects and research programmes, including drones, risk modelling platforms, and apps to support field teams.

At the event, Firelogue demonstrated a virtual reality module for firefighter training that simulates wildfire response scenarios.

According to the organisers, these tools are designed to be immediately useful to civil protection agencies.

However, it was also stated that technical innovation must be accompanied by adequate training, funding, and inclusion in decision-making structures.

Speakers pointed to Fire Forums as a format for cross-sector engagement between scientists, responders, and decision-makers, particularly in areas with limited resources.

Stakeholder alignment and implementation planning

The closing roundtable featured representatives from DG ECHO, DG Environment, the Joint Research Centre, and the World Bank.

According to UCP Knowledge Network, the discussion focused on aligning the IWRM Strategy with existing EU programmes and addressing legal or institutional changes needed for implementation.

Participants stressed that the success of the strategy depends on coordination across sectors and levels of governance.

Suggestions included education initiatives, improved coordination between countries, and formal mechanisms for knowledge sharing between regions.

The panel agreed that while the strategy provides a structure, effective implementation will depend on political and institutional follow-through.

Strategy aims to make Europe wildfire resilient

UCP Knowledge Network reported that the strategy aims to address wildfires as an accelerating outcome of climate change.

Speakers at the event stressed that civil protection systems must be central to wildfire adaptation planning across Europe.

The strategy proposal sets out a direction for EU-level and national alignment but will require legislative and policy action to become formalised.

Organisers concluded that moving forward requires joint work between Commission services, Member States, and local agencies.

The strategy is not binding but is intended as a reference point for future EU wildfire governance.

Integrated wildfire strategy launched to address growing risk in Europe: Summary

Over 150 wildfire experts met in Brussels in June 2025 to launch a strategy for Europe-wide wildfire risk management.

The event was hosted by the Firelogue coordination project and the EU Research Executive Agency.

Support came from four European Green Deal projects: FirEUrisk, FIRE-RES, SILVANUS, and TREEADS.

The proposed Integrated Wildfire Risk Management (IWRM) Strategy seeks to coordinate science, policy, and operations.

The proposal recommends shifting from national, seasonal responses to cross-border, year-round systems.

The strategy supports EU Civil Protection Mechanism goals and local implementation capabilities.

Technologies showcased include virtual-reality training and mobile tools for fire services.

Speakers called for investment in training and decision-making integration.

Fire Forums were highlighted as a method for cross-sector dialogue and capacity-building.

A closing panel included officials from the European Commission and World Bank.

The discussion addressed legal, institutional, and funding needs for implementation.

The strategy has not yet been adopted but serves as a draft framework.

Further collaboration between EU institutions and Member States is required.

Organisers said the strategy responds to fire risks made worse by climate change.

The proposal frames wildfires as a long-term, systemic challenge for European civil protection.