Wildfires drive over 300,000 from homes in France, Spain

Firefighters are battling massive wildfires in France and Spain as a fresh heatwave pushes temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius, forcing more than 300,000 people from their homes and destroying hundreds of properties.

The worst-hit area is France’s Gironde region near the city of Bordeaux, where wildfires have burned more than 42,000 hectares of land and destroyed at least 240 homes. Authorities say about 220,000 people have been evacuated from the region as firefighters struggle to contain the fast-moving blaze.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the affected area on Monday, described the fires as the country’s “toughest since the Second World War.”

He said every available resource, including more than 1,500 military personnel, had been deployed to support thousands of firefighters battling the flames. Firebreaks have also been reinforced to slow the fire’s advance.

Despite making progress overnight, firefighters warned the situation remains unstable. The return of high temperatures, dry weather and shifting winds is expected to increase the risk of the fires spreading again.

In neighbouring Spain, more than 105,000 people have been evacuated from the Madrid, Avila and Toledo regions, where wildfires continue to burn out of control. Spain’s weather service has warned that extreme heat and dry conditions will keep the fire risk dangerously high throughout the week.

Residents described terrifying scenes as thick smoke blanketed towns and villages. One Bordeaux resident compared the destruction to the ancient city of Pompeii, saying smoke made it difficult to breathe and left many wondering whether they would ever return to their homes.

Meteorologists say there is little relief in sight, with no significant rainfall expected until later in the week. Temperatures are forecast to reach 39 degrees Celsius in both Bordeaux and Madrid, creating conditions that could further complicate firefighting efforts.

Authorities in both countries have urged residents to obey evacuation orders as emergency crews continue working to contain the fires and prevent further loss of lives and property.