Cape Ferret headland at the southern tip of Lège-Cap-Ferret, Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Since mid-July, a series of fast-moving wildfires has scorched large areas of France and Spain, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. French authorities have mobilised soldiers, masks and international firefighting aircraft as flames approach Bordeaux and fires burn near Paris, the Var and Fontainebleau. Extreme heat and drought have fuelled unusually early, violent fires.
France faces a severe wildland fire crisis driven by record heat and drought. Fires near Bordeaux and Cap Ferret have prompted mass evacuations, with Spain and Italy also contending with blazes. European authorities have mobilised cross-border help as climate-driven fires intensify.
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.
A series of unprecedented wildfires are sweeping through southwestern France and central Spain, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Authorities warn the blazes are fierce and unpredictable, with climate-driven heat and winds complicating firefighting efforts. Macron pledges support; Spain’s Sanchez calls for climate action as fires intensify.
Wildfires have ravaged large areas west of Madrid and across the Gironde and Landes regions, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. Authorities report stabilisation in some areas, while heatwaves and drought deepen risk. Residents return home or relocate as the crisis continues to evolve in Spain, France and nearby countries.
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.
A record-hot, dry European summer has intensified wildfires in Greece, France and beyond. Two helicopter crews have died in Greece amid fierce winds; thousands have evacuated in France, and the UK reports its driest July in two centuries as fires burn on multiple fronts.