European Wildfires Break 19-Year Record
Wildfires in Europe have consumed over 2.5 million acres of land so far this year, according to data from the European Forest Fire Information System (effis) analyzed on August 22. This is the most extensive damage for a single European wildfire season since effis began maintaining records in 2006.
Record-breaking statistics:
- Spain has lost nearly a million acres, breaking its 1994 record, according to government data.
- In response to the fires, Greece has deployed 62 aircraft, 10 Coast Guard vessels and over 4,800 firefighters.
- In Portugal, flames have devoured 3 percent of the nation’s territory.
- Spain, Cyprus, Germany and Slovakia have broken 20-year records in wildfire damage this year.
- At least eight people have died so far.
The smoke sweeping across the Iberian Peninsula is visible from space.
Other fires: Meanwhile, Canada has lost over 19 million acres to wildfires this year, its second-worst wildfire season on record.
Why ‘natural’ disasters? Many wonder why disasters such as these occur. They may ask, If there is a God, why does He allow destruction and death? Why does He allow weather disasters?
To answer these important questions, read our free booklet Why ‘Natural’ Disasters?
