A heatwave has gripped parts of Europe, with temperatures soaring and raising the risk of wildfires—particularly in southern France, a region of vineyards and Mediterranean scrub.

In France’s Aude department, hundreds of firefighters have been battling a large blaze that has scorched about 16,000 hectares. Authorities say the fire is under control but will take weeks to fully extinguish, with hotspots still smoldering and threatened by the ongoing heat. France’s weather service has placed multiple departments on red alert for exceptional heat, warning that the heatwave may disrupt daily life and create serious health risks.

Wildfire danger has also been a concern beyond France. In Bulgaria, forecasters expected temperatures above 40°C and issued maximum fire-danger alerts, while crews continued fighting a large number of blazes along the country’s southern borders. Hungary also faced record-breaking heat over the weekend, prompting a nationwide fire ban.

The heatwave comes as scientists warn Europe is warming faster than other regions, intensifying the frequency and severity of heat extremes—and the conditions that help wildfires take hold. In the UK, the Met Office expects a prolonged period of very hot weather, accompanied by health warnings for vulnerable groups.