Firefighters battle wildfires in Portugal, Greece and Spain

Key Points:

• Hundreds of firefighters are battling wildfires across Portugal, Greece, and Spain, with Spain and Italy sending reinforcements to assist Portugal in controlling a massive blaze ongoing for more than three days.
• In Greece, toxic smoke from a wildfire engulfing a recycling plant near Thessaloniki prompted authorities to advise residents to stay indoors, while another major wildfire near Athens involves over 200 firefighters and aerial support.
• Portugal's Vouzela area wildfire, active since Thursday, has burned 12,000 hectares and is being fought by more than 1,200 firefighters with international assistance; the fire showed signs of abating by Sunday afternoon.
• In Spain, a wildfire in the Girona region has burned nearly 2,200 hectares with a 40-kilometer perimeter, and firefighters may not fully control it soon due to its size and conditions.
• Greek authorities attribute about 85% of wildfires to negligence, including sparks from machinery and discarded cigarettes, stressing that most fires could be prevented; Greece is increasingly using satellite technology to monitor and combat wildfires exacerbated by climate change.