Wildfires have swept across Southern Europe since the start of July, with Spain and France among the worst affected, as a record-breaking heatwave grips the continent. The blazes have destroyed both buildings and woodland, with some witnesses describing scenes reminiscent of "Armageddon," while the accompanying heat has already contributed to thousands of deaths across the region.

Officials and observers note that the fires stem from more than just extreme heat, with human error, arson and poor land management also playing significant roles. Among the most notable incidents, the Fontainebleau Forest near Paris was deliberately set alight last week, destroying around 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of woodland.