Wildfires in France and Spain have driven more than 250,000 people from their homes as crews battle flames near Bordeaux and around Madrid.
Wildfires in France and Spain are forcing mass evacuations as firefighters race to slow the spread of the wildfires in France and Spain, with strong winds pushing flames toward Bordeaux and officials warning they are still far from bringing the blaze under control.
Authorities say more than 250,000 people have fled since the fires began raging for days across both countries. In south-west France, about 200,000 people have been evacuated in the Gironde and Landes regions, while seven towns west of Bordeaux were told overnight to clear out. France has also brought in its military to help, sending troops to clear brush and cut fire breaks as smoke drifts toward the city and people report a sharp smell in the air.
By Saturday morning, the fire was still about 40km to 50km from Bordeaux, but the wind continued to carry smoke into the city. One tourist who left the area with his family said the scene was frightening, and that they could still smell the wildfires even after driving about 100 miles east. A British couple staying in Bordeaux said they first noticed smoke on Friday night before ash began covering the pool where they were staying and turning their feet black outside. People evacuating in Saint-Aubin-de-Médoc described the situation as stressful and called it a disaster.
“Wildfires in France and Spain have driven more than 250,000 people from their homes as crews battle flames near Bordeaux and around Madrid.”
The crisis has also hit Spain hard, though firefighters outside Madrid have had some help from changing weather. Spanish authorities said lower winds, higher humidity and cooler temperatures have improved conditions, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said there are complex times ahead. He said the country has a window to protect lives and try to control the fire, even as thunderstorms and wind remain a threat. Spain’s Interior Ministry said nearly 60,000 people have been evacuated from the Madrid and Ávila regions, and more than 28,000 others are still confined to their homes.
In València, officials confirmed the death of a man in a fire, believed to be in his 70s and found in his car by firefighters in the Salt de l'Aigua ravine in Manises, according to local media reports. Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso called the blaze the worst fire in the region’s history. The scale of the crisis has also disrupted other parts of public life, including a shortened final stage of the Tour de France so security forces can be redeployed. With France, Spain and other European countries calling on shared firefighting support, the fires are a stark reminder of how quickly extreme weather can disrupt daily life across the continent and threaten communities at home and abroad.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have been evacuated in France and Spain combined?
Authorities say more than 250,000 people have fled since the fires began. About 200,000 were evacuated in southwest France, and nearly 60,000 in Spain’s Madrid and Ávila regions.
How close was the fire to Bordeaux?
By Saturday morning, the fire was still about 40km to 50km from Bordeaux. Wind was still carrying smoke into the city.
What help did France send to fight the fire?
France brought in its military to help. Troops were sent to clear brush and cut fire breaks.
What was the situation in Spain?
Firefighting conditions outside Madrid improved somewhat because of lower winds, higher humidity and cooler temperatures. But authorities said thunderstorms and wind still posed a threat, and nearly 60,000 people were evacuated while more than 28,000 were confined to their homes.
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