Blazes force mass evacuations as deadly heatwave grips Southern Europe, with France, Italy, Portugal, Albania battling fires, record temperatures - Anadolu Ajansı

A blaze has reportedly killed 26 horses in their stables, alongside a 55-year-old man who died trying to save them, as wildfires continue to devastate southern Europe. The man suffered burns to 98 per cent of his body in the fire north of Madrid, and died in hospital after being flown there by helicopter, the Guardian reported.

Temperatures could exceed 42 C (107 F), according to the Spanish Meteorological Agency, which has issued alerts for more than 30 provinces across the country, and the city of Córdoba is facing one of the most intense days of this second summer heatwave.

Spiridon was one of three people to die in Spain’s wildfires this week, each of them ordinary people who saw the flames and rushed to help.

Weather warnings have been active across much of Spain in recent days, with the Spanish Ministry of the Interior issuing guidance on how people can protect themselves during the brutal heat. People who are travelling with children and/or the elderly have been reminded to never leave them inside vehicles.

Three men died and thousands were forced from their homes on Tuesday as wildfires fuelled by a heatwave scorched southern Europe.

Three men died and thousands were forced from their homes as wildfires fuelled by a heatwave scorched southern Europe.

Spain has been hit by a heatwave with the mercury hitting 32C in Seville this week and highs of 35C in Madrid and 31C in Barcelona. The UK has also been issued a yellow heat health warning