Deadly wildfires are sweeping across southern Europe, killing at least three people in Spain, Turkey and Albania as firefighters struggle against flames fuelled by weeks of scorching temperatures.In Greece, emergency teams are working desperately to shield Patras, the nation’s third-largest city, where fires have consumed surrounding pine forests and olive groves, destroying dozens of vehicles and moving dangerously close to residential neighbourhoods.“Today is another very difficult day with the level of fire risk remaining very high across many parts of the country,” fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyiannis said on Wednesday, adding that at least 15 firefighters needed medical treatment for injuries and exhaustion.The perilous mix of “high temperatures, strong winds … and minimal humidity” has created ideal conditions for fires to spread, according to Nikos Gyftakis, civil protection head for western Greece.In Spain, authorities have evacuated nearly 6,000 residents as flames threaten the UNESCO World Heritage Roman mining site in Castile and Leon. Seven people have been hospitalised with burns, with four in critical condition.Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced late on Wednesday that Spain had requested European Union assistance, including two water-bombing aircraft.He called on European allies to deploy the planes rapidly, given “weather forecasts” suggesting conditions could deteriorate, telling Cadena Ser radio that Spain might also reques …
