An 88-year-old British man died alongside his dog after their vehicle caught fire in south-west Cyprus, authorities reported. The incident occurred on Saturday in the village of Avgorou, where the car became stuck in mud while traveling on a dirt road en route to an animal shelter.

According to local reports, the driver was accompanied by a care worker. While attempting to free the vehicle, sparks reportedly ignited nearby dry reeds, rapidly spreading the fire. The care worker was able to escape the blaze unharmed, but the driver and his dog were trapped and did not survive. Cypriot officials have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

The incident comes amid ongoing wildfires across parts of southern Europe. In Italy, firefighters continued battling blazes near Rome, while crews in France remained alert for flare-ups in the Bordeaux region, where a recent fire scorched an area approximately four times the size of Paris. Meanwhile, in Greece, more than 1,000 residents have been evacuated from the coastal resort of Porto Germeno and surrounding areas west of Athens. Rescue operations included the evacuation of over 250 people by boat from beaches threatened by advancing flames.

Authorities in the affected countries have emphasized the heightened risk posed by dry conditions and strong winds, which have contributed to the rapid spread of wildfires in recent days. Firefighting efforts and evacuations are ongoing as officials work to contain the blazes and ensure public safety.