Europe dangerously unprepared for worsening wildfires, report says

Europe is dangerously unprepared to tackle a growing wildfire crisis, and must overhaul its fleets of firefighting aircraft and step up investment, according to a report.

The paper – commissioned by Portugal-based Avincis, which leases firefighting planes and helicopters – said the increased risk across southern Europe was down to climate change, falling rural populations and build-ups of burnable vegetation.

Wildfires that typically rage from early June to mid-September were breaking out earlier and later in the year...