Paris: Record-breaking wildfires across Europe have resulted in an estimated $18-$22 billion in economic losses and total damage. According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the weather service AccuWeather reported that extreme heat and prolonged drought have fueled the dangerous wildfires affecting countries such as France, Spain, and Greece, resulting in the burning of more than half a million hectares.

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter stated on Wednesday that the extreme conditions posed significant threats to lives, reduced crop production, and created serious health risks due to smoke and poor air quality. Data from the European Forest Fire Information System indicated that France and Spain experienced some of the most extensive fires, while the UK reported more than 22,000 burned hectares.

A historic wildfire near Bordeaux destroyed homes and forced the evacuation of over 224,000 people across 420 square kilometers. In Greece, flames destroyed properties and prompted mass evacuations near Athens. Forecasters predict that the very extreme wildfire danger will persist across western and central Europe as the fire season continues.