A commune in Landes, 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 areas west of Madrid, injured firefighters, prompted France to deploy soldiers and led Spain to declare 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.
The UK government has issued travel advice as wildfires force the evacuation of more than 300,000 people in Spain and France. Authorities are considering Bordeaux’s total evacuation, while the EU, French army, and local agencies coordinate the response amid extreme heat and winds.
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.
Wildfires across France and Spain have forced mass evacuations and disrupted travel; insurers warn many policies lack disaster coverage, while authorities urge travellers to check local advisories and their coverage before planning trips. The situation remains active as firefighters battle blazes and governments coordinate responses.