Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes as wildfires rage across southwestern France and Spain, with authorities warning that a new heatwave could make conditions even worse.
More than 300,000 people have been displaced across the two countries. In France's Gironde region near Bordeaux, over 200,000 residents were evacuated over the weekend as flames spread rapidly through dry forests. French Interior Minister called the blaze near Bordeaux 'unpredictable.' Images from the area showed ash covering beaches in Lacanau, and all sporting and cultural events in Gironde have been banned until August 8.
Spain sees progress but new threats emerge
In Spain, firefighters made progress in the Madrid region, allowing tens of thousands of residents to return home. But blazes in Castellón province continued to rage. Spain's prime minister warned of 'difficult hours ahead' as high winds kept pushing flames toward populated areas.
The fires, some of the largest in European history, come during France's fourth heatwave of 2026. Temperatures are expected to reach 40°C (104°F) in the coming days. When the heatwave reaches Spain on Wednesday, temperatures could be even higher, raising fears that existing blazes will expand and new ones will ignite.
International response
Thousands of firefighters, supported by aircraft and international emergency crews from neighboring countries, are working to contain the fires. Officials say critically dry vegetation and extreme temperatures are making containment efforts harder than usual. The fires have destroyed homes, businesses, and vast stretches of forest, and the economic toll is expected to run into the billions.
Climate scientists point to the connection between rising global temperatures and the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe. The Mediterranean region has been identified as a climate change hotspot, warming 20% faster than the global average.