Climate change is increasing the risk of extreme wildfires across Europe as prolonged heat and drought leave vegetation dangerously dry, scientists say.

Wildfires continued to burn across several European countries on Friday, with Greece, France, Portugal, Türkiye and Spain all battling major blazes.

In Greece, firefighters remained on the front line on Crete, where about 4,500 hectares have been scorched. Although conditions improved around Rethymno, officials said the fire was not yet under control and several hotspots remained. Fires were also reported on the Aegean islands of Paros, Kalymnos and Andros, while much of the country remained under a very high wildfire alert.

In France, a massive wildfire near Bordeaux that burned about 42,000 hectares was stabilized after favorable overnight conditions. More than half of the 224,000 evacuated residents have returned home, though firefighters continue to secure the fire's perimeter. The blaze destroyed at least 200 homes and killed two firefighters.

Portugal was still battling a major wildfire in the northern municipality of Valpacos. Nearly 800 firefighters were deployed to the blaze, which has burned more than 6,000 hectares since Tuesday and left at least five people with minor injuries.

In Türkiye, firefighters continued to battle wind-driven wildfires near key Mediterranean tourist areas. Authorities said five people were injured in Balikesir Province, while three villages and 720 cattle were evacuated. Since Wednesday, 169 wildfires have been reported across Türkiye, with 163 brought under control, Türkiye's agriculture minister said.

Spain lifted the state of emergency over a wildfire west of Madrid after the main fire fronts were contained. Most of the more than 60,000 evacuated residents have returned home, but officials warned that a new heat wave could reignite fires in the region.

(With input from AFP)