Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated as major wildfires spread across France and Spain, with authorities warning that extreme heat, strong winds and dry conditions are making the blazes increasingly difficult to control.
In southwestern France, authorities ordered the evacuation of the entire Cap Ferret peninsula as wildfires threatened homes, campsites and tourist areas along the Atlantic coast.
Around 110,000 people were told to leave affected areas, with boats used to help evacuate residents and visitors. One of the fires near Saumos has burned more than 14,000 hectares of forest and destroyed more than 100 homes and a campsite.
French President Emmanuel Macron requested military support for firefighting efforts as hundreds of firefighters worked to contain the flames.
In Spain, the government declared a national emergency after multiple wildfires spread near Madrid and the neighbouring province of Avila.
More than 10,000 people were evacuated as fires merged outside the capital, with thousands of emergency personnel and aircraft deployed to fight the blazes.
Authorities said thescale of the fires, extreme weather conditions and the need to coordinate resources across different regions drove the decision.
Spain’s Interior Ministry said it was the country’s first national emergency declaration linked to wildfires.
The fires come after a series of heatwaves across southern Europe, with scientists warning that climate change is increasing the intensity of extreme heat, drought and wildfires.
Dry vegetation, strong winds and prolonged high temperatures have created conditions for rapidly spreading fires across the continent.
Governments of affected countres in Europe have requested assistance from its neighbours in bringing the blaze ing countries, with several nations providing firefighting aircraft and personnel to support operations.
Authorities warn that the wildfire season remains highly challenging as temperatures are expected to rise again in parts of the region.
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