More than 16,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in the province of Nova Scotia in Canada to escape hundreds of wildfires raging in the area and now threatening the city of Halifax.
Television images show large plumes of smoke, burnt-out houses and vehicles, but there are no reports of injuries.
Strong winds have exacerbated the fires in Nova Scotia, and authorities say extensive rain is needed to bring them under control.
Also in Europe
Forest fires are also raging in Europe. In the region of Extremadura in western Spain, forest fires spread over 3,500 hectares last week and 700 people have been evacuated, according to local rescue services.
– The fire is out of control and the weather conditions make the work of the firefighters particularly difficult, Commander David Barona of the military emergency unit told the Spanish news channel 24H.