A coastal commune in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Since late July 2026, fast-moving wildfires have forced more than 200,000 people to flee across southwestern France and central Spain. Fires have scorched tens of thousands of hectares, pushed toward Bordeaux and towns west of Madrid, injured firefighters and prompted France to deploy soldiers while Spain has declared a national emergency.
Wildfires in south-west France and central Spain have forced hundreds of thousands to flee homes and holiday spots. France has mobilised the army and requested EU support as authorities declare a national emergency in Spain. Evacuations hit Cap Ferret, Bordeaux, and Madrid areas; fires remain volatile with continued heat and wind.
The Tour de France’s final stage has been shortened from 133km to 89km and moved to finish in Paris with two circuits on the Champs-Élysées and a Montmartre finish. Emergency services are being redeployed to fight wildfires in southwest France and Spain, with security forces reassigned to affected areas. Tadej Pogačar is poised to win a fifth yellow jersey.
Wildfires across southwest France and parts of Spain have forced large-scale evacuations. Authorities warn conditions are worsening as heat, wind and spreading blazes drive responses. The UK government advises following local authorities, with France evacuating campsites and residences and Spain declaring a national emergency in Madrid and Ávila.
Insurers warn Europe’s disaster costs are outpacing coverage as wildfires devastate parts of France, Spain, Greece and Portugal. Heatwaves push temperatures past dangerous levels and drive up resilience costs, while authorities urge action to close the protection gap.
Evacuations exceed 330,000 as fires blaze in France and Spain, forcing cancellations, road closures and airport delays. Authorities warn the situation is ongoing; insurers urge travellers to check policy coverage before planning trips.