In 2018, with Europe in the grip of a heat wave and dry conditions, the scorched ground and dry vegetation succumbed to fire. Fires broke out as far north as the Arctic Circle in Sweden. This image provides a detailed view of flames and smoke from two of the fires, along with smoke from other fires nearby. The fires led the Swedish authorities to evacuate some villages and appeal for help from other countries. There were concerns that the record temperatures and drought were linked to climate change. There were said to be around fifty fires burning in the country. Through July 2018 here were three times as many fires as there were in 2017. July 17, 2018.