Two people have been confirmed dead following a wildfire in Lleida province, Catalonia, in northeastern Spain, as the country grapples with an unprecedented heatwave sweeping across much of Europe.
Emergency and fire services issued a statement confirming the discovery of two bodies near the town of Coscó. The tragic incident occurred as multiple wildfires ignited in the region, forcing local authorities to order approximately 14,000 residents to remain indoors for safety.
Catalonia’s regional leader, Salvador Illa, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, which come amid an escalating environmental and public health crisis.
Earlier in the day, a separate tragedy was reported in the region when a two-year-old child died after being left inside a parked car under the sun in the city of Valls, north of Tarragona.
The fires come as Spain endures one of its most intense heatwaves on record. In early July 2025, temperatures soared beyond 46°C in parts of the country such as Huelva, pushing emergency services to the limit.
Spain also recorded its hottest June in history, with an average temperature of 23.6°C, while Mediterranean Sea surface temperatures have reached record highs, fuelling further climate concerns.
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe is heating faster than the global average, with heatwaves starting earlier, lasting longer, and posing increasing health and environmental risks.
The World Health Organization has warned of a significant rise in heat-related fatalities, projecting that more than 4,500 people could die in Europe in the coming days.
Authorities are urging preventive measures including staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor exposure during peak heat hours, and prioritising the safety of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
As wildfires spread and the mercury continues to climb, Europe faces growing pressure to adapt to the intensifying effects of climate change.
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