Wildfires raging across south-west France and parts of Spain have forced the evacuation of over 250,000 residents amid worsening conditions fueled by strong winds and soaring temperatures.
In France, approximately 200,000 people have been evacuated from the Gironde and Landes regions. The flames are currently 40 to 50 kilometers from Bordeaux, with smoke and ash affecting the city. Authorities have deployed the military to assist firefighters by clearing vegetation and establishing firebreaks. Several towns west of Bordeaux were ordered to evacuate overnight as the fires remain uncontrolled.
Residents and tourists near Bordeaux described the fires as frightening. One visitor reported evacuating with family over 100 miles away but still sensing the smoke. Another couple noted the ash covering their property and the intense smell impacting their lungs.
The Tour de France final stage was shortened to allow security forces to focus on wildfire response. President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting as around 30 fires continue to burn nationwide, an unprecedented situation according to the government.
Situation in Spain
Spain has declared a state of emergency with nearly 60,000 people evacuated from Madrid and Ávila regions, while over 28,000 remain confined to their homes. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged improved weather conditions, including reduced wind and higher humidity, which have helped firefighting efforts near Madrid. However, challenges persist due to variable winds and potential thunderstorms.
A man in his 70s died in a fire near València, found in his car as firefighters worked to extinguish flames in the Salt de l'Aigua ravine.
Authorities report that 130,000 hectares have burned in Spain this year, exceeding the decade’s average of 100,000 hectares. Madrid’s regional president called the current fire the worst in the region’s history.
Broader European Impact
Italy’s Sicily island is battling more than 350 fires, including 10 major ones, prompting evacuations. Scotland declared a major incident as a wildfire in Cairngorms National Park has burned for over 10 days.
The EU’s Crisis Management Commissioner warned that this wildfire season could break previous records, with early starts and forecasts of additional heatwaves likely to fuel further outbreaks.
France has activated the EU civil protection mechanism, receiving firefighting aircraft and personnel from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Romania. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed deployment of 11 planes and helicopters to assist France and Spain.
