European countries battle multiple wildfires as record heat grips the continent

European nations are battling multiple wildfires amid a historic heat wave that has gripped the continent. In France, a new fire has forced over 500 people to evacuate in the town of Luglon, as numerous blazes rage through forests across the country, including regions typically known for cooler and wetter climates. Meanwhile, Italy has placed all major cities on red alert due to the extreme heat, with several nuclear reactors shutting down temporarily.

London recorded its hottest day of the year at 38.1C, while Spain moved the remains of three 11th-century kings from a monastery near an active wildfire to avoid further damage. In Germany, all 1,800 residents of the village of Gey were evacuated due to a wildfire threatening their homes, with unexploded ordnance from World War II complicating the firefighting efforts.

Croatia also saw a wildfire leave 14 people hospitalized and force thousands to evacuate from Omis. Albania is currently battling dozens of wildfires, with the largest fire brought under control near residential homes. Meanwhile, Belgium and the Netherlands are both expected to set new heat records this week, with severe drought conditions contributing to the intense heat wave sweeping across Europe.