Wildfires sweep Sicily as Europe battles extreme heat and soaring fire risk

Several wildfires burned across the Italian island of SicilySeveral wildfires burned across the Italian island of Sicily on Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of residents as firefighters worked to contain the spread. Other European countries are also battling wildfires fuelled by hot, dry weather, with scientists warning that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat and drought, particularly in southeastern Europe.In Sicily, firefighters said they have carried out more than 1,000 operations since Saturday, with all fire stations placed on double shifts as blazes spread across the island.The latest wildfire, near Agrigento in western Sicily, forced the evacuation of around 100 residents from nearby homes and a clinic. Authorities transferred 22 patients to