Wildfires wreaked destruction across southern Europe, burning homes and forcing thousands of residents and tourists to flee.

PATRAS, Greece,/MADRID (Reuters) -Wildfires caused by arsonists or thunderstorms and fanned by a heatwave and strong winds continued to rage across southern Europe on Wednesday, burning houses, farms and factories and forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists.

Firefighters in Spain have been battling wildfires in the north-western province of Leon. Three people have died in Spain due to the blazes this summer. The country is among several European countries experiencing scorching temperatures this week that fuel wildfires and which scientists say human-induced climate change is intensifying.

A volunteer firefighter died from severe burns and several people were hospitalised in dozens of wildfires that raged across Spain, fuelled by strong winds and scorching heat.