safety
Wildfires across Europe have killed hundreds over the last decade
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 13, 2026
· 4 min read
Wildfires raging across Europe have killed hundreds of people over the last decade, and climate change is set to push the death toll even higher in the coming years.A wildfire in southern Spain killed at least 11 people overnight into Friday morning, making it one of the country's deadliest on re...
Key takeaway Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Why this matters in The Waco
As Waco residents watch wildfires ravage Europe, they should consider the similar risks faced by their own community. McLennan County's dry summers and strong winds create a volatile environment for wildfires, making it crucial for local authorities to develop and implement effective prevention and response strategies. The European Union's experience with climate change, which is warming the continent at twice the global average rate, serves as a warning for Waco's own climate concerns. With Texas being prone to droughts and heatwaves, the city must prioritize fire safety and emergency preparedness to mitigate the impact of potential wildfires. By learning from Europe's devastating experiences, Waco can take proactive steps to protect its residents and environment from the growing threat of wildfires. This includes educating the public on fire safety, conducting regular forest and brush management, and ensuring that local firefighters have the necessary resources and training to respond to emergencies.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Wildfires raging across Europe have killed hundreds of people over the last decade, and climate change is set to push the death toll even higher in the coming years.A wildfire in southern Spain killed at least 11 people overnight into Friday morning, making it one of the country's deadliest on re...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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