European fires near record levels (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Forests fires that have ravaged southern Europe during the past month were some of the worst on record, the European Commission has said.

More than 3,000 sq km (1,200 sq miles) of forest had already burned this year, almost as much as in the whole of 2006, the commission said.

It warned of more fires in the days ahead, with Spain and Portugal, where temperatures are soaring, most at risk.

Most recently, fires in the Canary Islands have forced thousands to flee.

Firefighters there are continuing to battle two major fires which have razed some 350 sq km (135 sq miles) of land in the last few days.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6928155.stm