• Wildfires have ravaged over 17,000 hectares of forest in France, Spain, and Portugal.
• More than 2,000 excess deaths were reported in France due to June's heatwave.
• Authorities are concerned about the early start of the wildfire season.
• Portugal has controlled a wildfire affecting 13,000 hectares with aid from Spain and Italy.
• French officials warn of prolonged wildfire conditions as temperatures rise.

Recent wildfires across France, Spain, and Portugal have devastated over 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of land, with temperatures soaring to around 40°C. Authorities in France, Spain, and Portugal are grappling with what has been termed one of the worst heatwaves in recent years, prompting urgent firefighting efforts amid fears that the wildfire season has begun earlier than usual, according to Le Monde, The Local, and SCMP.

In Spain, a fire near the Costa Brava has burned over 2,200 hectares within just two days. Firefighters reported their operations were complicated by "smoking hotspots" still present in the fire's perimeter. The Catalunya fire service confirmed that their personnel worked tirelessly to stabilize the La Bisbal d'Empordà forest fire perimeter, as a suspect was arrested in connection with the chaos affecting the Gavarres protected natural area, according to Le Monde, The Local, and SCMP.

In response to the wildfire threat, nearly 600 firefighters have been deployed in southern France to combat a blaze consuming over 1,000 hectares. Roads have been closed, and local authorities have set up emergency shelters for residents at risk of evacuation. An additional 300 firefighters are addressing another fire in the southeastern Drome region. The fire situation remains dire, drawing support from international reinforcements due to its scale, according to Le Monde, The Local, and SCMP.

Portugal's emergency services report that they have managed to control 80% of a wildfire affecting around 13,000 hectares in the north. Since the fire ignited, it has expanded over 35 kilometers. The country has mobilized around 1,200 firefighters, receiving aerial support from Spain and Italy, with reports of nine injuries due to burns, according to Le Monde, The Local, and SCMP.

As the heatwave progresses, experts warn of increased risks associated with climate change and its profound impact on weather patterns. The World Weather Attribution group has asserted that the intense heatwaves seen earlier this year would have been "virtually impossible" without the influence of climate change. French fire service Colonel Eric Belgioino emphasized the urgency of public caution, stating, "Climate change is here, we are living the consequences and it is only the start of July," urging residents to assist in preventing fire outbreaks, according to Le Monde, The Local, and SCMP.