safety
Heat and fire generate overlapping problems for much of southern Europe
By Jayme Berezdivin at WSVN 7 News
· July 12, 2026
· 4 min read
Nearly 20 people are still unaccounted for after a wildfire ripped through a tinder-dry area close to Spain’s Mediterranean coast on Thursday, according to regional officials. At least 12 people were killed by the rapidly spreading blaze, and four received severe burns. The wildfire – near Almeria o
Key takeaway To date this year, the countries of the European Union have seen 314 fires of over 30 hectares each, nearly double the 158 at the corresponding date last year, and the second highest figure since 2016.
Why this matters in The Miami
Miami 's own experiences with hurricane-driven wildfires and flooding make the devastating fires in southern Europe feel eerily familiar. As a city prone to Atlantic hurricanes and sea-level rise, Miami understands the dangers of extreme weather events. The fact that summer fires in southern Europe are happening earlier and with growing intensity is a trend that should concern Miami residents, given the similar subtropical climate. Miami-Dade County's wildfire risks, although different in scope, are still a concern, particularly in areas with dense vegetation. The European Forest Fire Information System's data on the spike in larger fires serves as a reminder that Miami's own emergency preparedness and response plans must be robust and adaptable to address the unique challenges of its environment. As Miami continues to grow and urbanize, the city's ability to mitigate and respond to wildfires will be crucial in protecting its residents and infrastructure.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more The Miami stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Nearly 20 people are still unaccounted for after a wildfire ripped through a tinder-dry area close to Spain’s Mediterranean coast on Thursday, according to regional officials. At least 12 people were killed by the rapidly spreading blaze, and four received severe burns. The wildfire – near Almeria o
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jayme Berezdivin at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter