Southern Europe is facing a dangerous combination of extreme heat and fast-moving wildfires. The conditions have caused deaths, forced evacuations, damaged crops, and increased health risks across several countries.

In Spain, at least 12 people died after a wildfire swept through a dry area near Almeria on Thursday. Regional officials said nearly 20 people remained missing after the blaze. Four others suffered severe burns. The fire is the first in Europe this year to claim multiple lives.

Wildfires have also spread across France and Portugal in recent weeks. A large fire in France’s Pyrenees region forced about 12,000 people to leave their homes. Another major blaze burned in central Portugal, with smoke drifting far into the Atlantic Ocean.

Experts say wildfires are starting earlier and becoming more intense. A wet winter encouraged heavy vegetation growth across France and Spain. Three powerful heatwaves then dried that vegetation, creating ideal conditions for fires to spread quickly.

Data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) shows a sharp rise in large fires this year. The European Union has recorded 314 fires larger than 30 hectares so far. That is almost double the number reported at the same time last year. The fires have already burned about 160,000 hectares, well above the long-term average.

Extreme heat has also created serious health concerns. French officials linked more than 2,000 deaths during the last week of June to the heat. Temperatures reached record levels, especially among older adults and vulnerable people.

The heat has also increased demand for air conditioning across France. While cooling systems help people stay safe indoors, they also release heat into surrounding areas. That effect can make cities even hotter, especially at night.

High temperatures have affected France’s nuclear power plants as well. Warm river water has reduced the amount of cooling available for some reactors, forcing electricity companies to lower production.

Farmers are also feeling the impact. Industry group Coceral lowered its forecasts for corn, wheat, and barley production across Europe after prolonged heat damaged crops. France’s corn harvest could fall to its lowest level in nearly 20 years.

Scientists also warn that warmer conditions are helping mosquitoes spread diseases into new areas. A recent Italian study found the risk of dengue outbreaks in Europe has risen sharply over the past decade. Researchers say climate change continues to increase the threat of both extreme weather and related health risks.