safety
Wildfires rage in Portugal, Greece and Spain while Greek authorities warn of toxic smoke
By Elena Becatoros, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 5, 2026
· 3 min read
Hundreds of firefighters battled wildfires in Portugal, Greece and Spain on Sunday, with Spain and Italy sending reinforcements to Portugal to help with a massive blaze burning for more than three days.Authorities urged residents in parts of Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, to remain i...
Key takeaway The EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid said that Spain sent 120 firefighters and 45 vehicles as reinforcements to Portugal on Friday, while three firefighting aircraft from Italy and Spain were also dispatched to help.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The wildfires raging in Portugal, Greece, and Spain serve as a stark reminder of the devastating power of uncontrolled fires. For San Antonio residents, this news hits close to home, given the city's own history of wildfires in the surrounding hills and countryside. The fact that hundreds of firefighters are battling these blazes overseas underscores the importance of having a robust and well-equipped fire department, a concern that is just as relevant in Bexar County. The use of water-dropping planes and helicopters to combat the fires also highlights the value of investing in advanced firefighting technology, something that local authorities should consider when evaluating their own emergency response capabilities. As the dry summer months approach, San Antonio residents should be vigilant about fire safety and take precautions to prevent wildfires from breaking out in their own community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Hundreds of firefighters battled wildfires in Portugal, Greece and Spain on Sunday, with Spain and Italy sending reinforcements to Portugal to help with a massive blaze burning for more than three days.Authorities urged residents in parts of Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, to remain i...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Elena Becatoros, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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