Wildfires continue to devastate Europe as thousands flee their homes

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday afternoon that Europe was on "high wildfire alert," with growing pressure on Eastern European nations in particular. The statement came after a week in which fires spread across multiple regions, from the Croatian coast to Germany's Eifel forest.

Officials say drought conditions and high temperatures have allowed the blazes to spread rapidly. Thousands of people have been evacuated from areas where firefighting crews are working to bring the flames under control, and several countries have requested additional military personnel and aircraft support.

The EU has activated its disaster-response mechanism, which allows member states to share firefighting aircraft and crews. Von der Leyen said climate change is extending the wildfire season and stressed that the bloc needs to expand its firefighting capacity.