Wildfires in Spain and France have forced more than 250,000 people to leave their homes as emergency crews battle fast-moving flames across southern Europe. Authorities reported major evacuations near Bordeaux in southwestern France and west of Madrid in central Spain on Saturday, July 25.
The evacuation total reached about 267,000 people, according to reports from authorities cited by The Guardian and The Associated Press. France accounted for about 197,000 evacuations, while Spain reported about 70,000.
Spain and France Wildfires Spread Near Major Cities
In France, the largest concern centered on the Gironde region, near Bordeaux. Officials said the fire moved toward the city’s western suburbs after breaking out near the Cap Ferret peninsula on the Atlantic coast.
French authorities ordered evacuations from communities between the fire and Bordeaux. Those areas included parts of Le Haillan, Eysines and Mérignac, where the airport is located.
The airport remained open, according to AP. However, tram and bus services were suspended as smoke and emergency activity affected transportation.
In Spain, fires west of Madrid forced evacuations from towns and villages in the Madrid region and nearby Ávila province. Spanish officials also issued air quality warnings as smoke affected the capital area.
Emergency Crews Face Wind, Heat and Smoke
Firefighters in both countries worked through dangerous conditions. High winds, dry vegetation and extreme heat helped the fires move quickly.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said France would use an Airbus A400M military aircraft to drop retardant on the Gironde fire. The aircraft joined other planes and helicopters already fighting the blaze.
France also mobilized soldiers to support emergency crews. Officials rushed 1.5 million face masks to protect residents from heavy smoke.
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited a command post west of Madrid. He said cooler weather gave firefighters a chance to make progress, but the situation remained difficult.
Officials in both countries urged residents to follow evacuation orders and public safety alerts. Fire conditions can change quickly, especially when winds shift.
No Deaths Reported, But Firefighters Injured
Authorities reported no deaths in Spain or France from the current wave of fires, according to AP. However, dozens of French firefighters were injured while responding to the blazes.
The evacuations have disrupted daily life across affected regions. Some residents left by car, while others in French coastal areas fled by boat as flames moved through tourist towns.
Shelters opened for evacuees in France and Spain. In Bordeaux, local authorities prepared space for thousands of people who needed food, rest and temporary assistance.
The fires also hit during Europe’s busy summer travel season. Travelers across the region faced road closures, smoke, canceled local transit and changing emergency orders.
Climate Conditions Raise Fire Risk
The fires come after intense heat waves struck parts of Europe earlier than usual this year. Scientists have warned that climate change is making heat waves more frequent and severe.
In Spain, Sánchez said fires have burned about 130,000 hectares this year. That is above the country’s annual average for the past decade, according to AP.
Other European countries have offered firefighting help. Italy, Greece, Portugal, the Netherlands, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia were among nations providing or preparing aircraft and support.
For families with relatives in Europe, the crisis is a reminder to follow official emergency channels during wildfire season. Authorities continue to prioritize evacuations, air quality warnings and the protection of communities in the fire zones.