WILDFIRES AS HEATWAVE TO HIT A NEW HIGH

At least three dead & thousands are forced to flee

- BY NADA FARHOUD Environment Editor

EUROPE'S record-breaking heatwave could hit 44C as it fuels extreme wildfires raging in some regions popular with tourists.

At least three people have died, with thousands displaced, as blazes spread in temperatures soaring above 40C.

Fire crews have fought flames in parts of Greece, Portugal, Spain and Turkey.

Spain's weather service Aemet said temperatures could peak at 44C in Seville and Cordoba, while southern Portugal could also face that high.

Red heat alerts in parts of Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and the Balkans, warned of significant risks to health.

In Greece, tourists and locals were evacuated amid blazes that are tearing through the Ionian islands. Officials ordered people to flee dozens of villages gripped by intense droughts and winds.

Large fires have been raging in Zante, Kefalonia and Chios, all popular spots for holidaymakers.