Edinburgh landmark engulfed in smoke
A spectacular wildfire broke out on Arthur’s Seat, the famous extinct volcano dominating Edinburgh, on Sunday, sending dense smoke drifting over Scotland’s capital. The blaze swept quickly over the favored hiking spot, which can be seen for miles and prompted police to urge walkers and motorists to avoid the area.
Arthur’s Seat, 250 metres (820ft) above sea level, the highest summit in Holyrood Park, is renowned for panoramic city views. Positioned mere steps from the Scottish Parliament and the Royal Mile, it attracts thousands of people, particularly in August when Edinburgh is hosting its world-famous International Arts Festival, the Fringe comedy festival, and this year’s reunion tour of rock idols Oasis.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had confirmed that crews were fighting the fire on the open grassland. There were no reports of casualties, but the contrast of the flames to the city skyline provided a dramatic twist to one of the busiest tourist weekends of the year.
France’s worst wildfire in decades brought under control
At the same time, southern France firefighters were finally able to put out the biggest fire in Aude region in a minimum of a half-century. The fire consumed 16,000 hectares of rural land, resulting in one death, injuring several more, and destroying farm fields.
Authorities cautioned, though, that the battle was not yet over. “The fire is finally under control. This still requires ongoing mobilisation. We have to hold on and not let up,” Aude district chief of staff Amelie Trioux stated.
Over 1,300 firefighters are kept on standby as hot, dry gusts of up to 50km/h threaten to re-ignite smouldering hotspots. The relentless Mediterranean heatwave, with highs predicted to hit 42°C (107°F), is set to reach its peak early in the week but last well into it.
Loss, rage, and resilience from survivors
The blaze left the rural community with deep scars. In Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, one 65-year-old woman lost her life in her home, and at least 36 homes were gutted and 20 farm sheds incinerated. Nineteen firefighters were hurt, with one of them seriously.
For livestock producers, the losses were catastrophic. Emmanuelle Bernier came home to discover her goat pen burned to the ground, 17 animals including several pregnant ones lost in the blaze. “I will surely change occupations. This will alter my entire life,” she said, amidst the smoldering remnants of her property. Only a few geese and two ill goats are left; the rest of her remaining livestock has been moved.
In spite of her sorrow, Bernier shed a glimmer of hope as she surveyed the charred terrain: “There’s still a little life left.”
Climate change making Europe wildfire hotspot
Experts say that deepening summer heatwaves associated with climate change are making Europe increasingly at risk for devastating wildfires. In Marseille, Monique Beluy, 81, said the heat so far this year was “harder to bear than any other year” and expressed concerns about her own health living alone.
The heatwave is likely to persist risky temperatures over a large part of southern Europe for the rest of the week. For towns in its way, the double danger of fire and heat is still very much present.
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