By Damian Arugo Jr.
National News – More than 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as devastating wildfires continue to sweep through parts of France and Spain, with emergency authorities warning that the situation remains critical despite ongoing firefighting efforts.
In south-western France, powerful winds and soaring temperatures have fuelled fast-moving fires advancing towards the city of Bordeaux. Officials said the blazes are “far from being under control,” prompting the evacuation of about 200,000 residents across the Gironde and Landes regions.
Seven towns west of Bordeaux were ordered to evacuate overnight as smoke spread across the area. Although the nearest major wildfire remained about 40 to 50 kilometres from Bordeaux on Saturday, residents reported thick smoke and a strong burning smell across the city.
France has deployed military personnel to assist firefighters by clearing vegetation and creating firebreaks to slow the spread of the flames. Emergency shelters have also been established to accommodate thousands of displaced residents.
The worsening crisis has disrupted major events, including the Tour de France, whose final stage has been shortened to allow security personnel to assist with emergency operations.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to chair an emergency meeting with government officials as authorities battle around 30 active wildfires nationwide. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said nearly 98,000 hectares of land have been destroyed by wildfires in France since the beginning of 2026.
In neighbouring Spain, nearly 60,000 people have been evacuated from the Madrid and Ávila regions, while more than 28,000 others remain confined to their homes.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said firefighters had benefited from lower temperatures, increased humidity and reduced winds, but cautioned that the threat remained significant.
“We have a window of opportunity to protect lives and bring the fires under control,” Sánchez said, warning that strong winds and possible thunderstorms could still hamper operations.
Authorities in the Valencia region also confirmed the death of a man believed to be in his 70s. He was found inside his vehicle after a wildfire swept through the Salt de l’Aigua ravine in Manises.
Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso described the ongoing disaster as the worst wildfire emergency in the region’s history.
According to Sánchez, approximately 130,000 hectares of land have already been burned in Spain this year, exceeding the country’s average annual wildfire damage over the past decade.
The European Union has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism to support France, dispatching firefighting aircraft, helicopters and specialist personnel from several member states.
European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib warned that Europe could experience another record-breaking wildfire season after last year’s devastating fires, noting that unusually early heatwaves have extended the wildfire season.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that additional firefighting aircraft and helicopters have also been deployed to assist both France and Spain as emergency crews continue efforts to contain the blazes.
Wildfires have also affected other parts of Europe, including Italy, where hundreds of fires have broken out in Sicily, and Scotland, where firefighters continue battling a major wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park.
