Macron calls emergency meeting as wildfires force mass evacuations in France and Spain

French President Emmanuel Macron has convened an emergency crisis meeting as severe wildfires continue to expand across southwestern France and Spain. High temperatures and strong winds are driving flames toward major urban areas, including Bordeaux. Officials noted that extreme weather generated a pyrocumulonimbus cloud over southwestern France, producing localized lightning and volatile winds that further hamper containment operations.

Evacuation estimates vary among outlets: BBC News and France24 report over 250,000 evacuees across both countries, whereas Helsingin Sanomat, citing AFP, puts the total above 325,000. In France's Gironde department, more than 42,000 hectares have been destroyed, and regional authorities cautioned that displaced residents will not be permitted to return until fire perimeters are fully stabilized.

Sources: BBC News, FAZ, France24, Helsingin Sanomat, Le Figaro