Millions of people across Europe are facing even more extreme heat this Wednesday, as fires ripped through the countryside, forcing thousands to flee their homes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Italy, Greece and France are not only facing high temperatures, but also smoke that has covered many areas.<\/p>\n
After record-breaking temperatures in the UK on Tuesday, extreme heat is moving east across the continent, leaving a trail of devastation in many rural areas and exposing the lack of preparedness even in some of Europe’s biggest cities.<\/p>\n
The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) said 19 European countries were at “extreme risk” of catastrophic fires.<\/p>\n
In the suburbs of Athens, firefighters are dealing with large flames, while the wind is hindering the control of the situation.<\/p>\n
At least 600 people have been evacuated, including from a children’s hospital, authorities said.<\/p>\n
“Our main priority remains the protection of human lives. But also that of vital public infrastructure as well as citizens’ properties”.<\/em> said Greek Fire Service spokesman Ioannis Artopoios.<\/p>\n Huge clouds of smoke remain visible in the city, despite the efforts of hundreds of firefighters.<\/p>\n According to CNN, flames are also present in some parts of Italy. Fires in Tuscany caused gas tanks to explode and forced evacuations overnight, according to regional president Eugenio Giani.<\/p>\n In western Germany, mainly in the Alsdorf area, three residents and two firefighters were injured in the blaze, and much of the country is braced for more fires as temperatures rise.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n<\/p>\n top channel![\"A](\"https:\/\/cdn.cnn.com\/cnnnext\/dam\/assets\/220720114329-01-europe-heatwave-exlarge-169.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Firefighters](\"https:\/\/cdn.cnn.com\/cnnnext\/dam\/assets\/220720114550-05-europe-heatwave-exlarge-169.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n