By David Latona and Pietro Lombardi MADRID/PODGORICA (Reuters) -Firefighters across Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and the Balkans were battling wildfires on Tuesday, with another heatwave pushing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) across parts of Europe.

A heatwave gripping parts of Europe sent temperatures over 40C in southern France and the Western Balkans on Monday, fuelling wildfires, triggering top-level weather alerts and forcing evacuations in several countries across what scientists warn is the world's fastest-warming continent.

The containment the Lee fire burning near Meeker dropped Monday as strong winds pushed the flames to consume thousands more acres, according to fire officials.

A Colorado prison was evacuated as one of the largest wildfires in state history continued to grow, with officials warning residents of remote areas to be ready to leave as gusty winds and low humidit

Two wildfires caused by lightning strikes were burning out of control in northwest Colorado on Sunday, forcing evacuations that included nearly 200 inmates at a nearby prison. NBC News’ Dana Griffin has more.