Firefighters across Europe battled multiple wildfires on August 14. A record-breaking heat wave was gripping the continent.

Wildfires burned across large areas of Europe. Fires in central England destroyed about 20 to 30 homes.

More than 500 people were evacuated from France's Landes region. Major fires also caused evacuations in Germany, Spain, Croatia and Greece.

England recorded 38.1°C on August 13. July was England's driest month on record.

France was having its driest year ever. Six nuclear reactors had recently been shut down.

This was due to heat, drought and other conditions. The extreme heat and repeated wildfires were straining infrastructure across Europe.

Countries used to long cold seasons were hit hard. Many of these countries have limited air conditioning.

Scientists link the heat to human-caused climate change. Dry landscapes and drought were increasing risks and slowing emergency response.