EU scientists label Mediterranean a ‘wildfire hotspot’

European Union scientists are labeling the Mediterranean a wildfire hot spot amid fires that are devastating Turkey and Greece.

The European Union atmosphere monitor announced Wednesday the area has become a hot spot with thousands being evacuated from their homes, Reuters reported.

Turkey is setting a record for the most powerful fires since “fire radiative power” started to be tracked in 2003.

The EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) said fires in Turkey and Italy are growing in intensity.

Satellite images showed the plume of smoke in Turkey, according to CAMS.

People were evacuated by boats in Greece as the fires worsen, driven by changing winds, according to Reuters.

At least 50 people were evacuated by the Coast Guard by boat Tuesday from a Greek island.

Other countries including Albania, Morocco, North Macedonia and Lebanon have experienced wildfires in July. 

The U.S. has been struggling to contain its own fires in the West as western governors are asking President Biden for aid.