Mass evacuations continue in France and Spain as wildfires spread toward Bordeaux

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Jul 27, 2026, 01:30 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-07-27-0130
Mass evacuations continue in France and Spain as wildfires spread toward Bordeaux
Photo: BBC News

Over 250,000 people have fled widespread wildfires in France and Spain as strong winds push blazes toward Bordeaux, prompting emergency declarations and mass evacuations.

Uncontrolled wildfires in southwestern France and Spain have driven mass evacuations, affecting over 250,000 people across both nations. In France's Gironde department near Bordeaux, flames have consumed more than 42,000 hectares of land, forcing 220,000 residents from their homes. Authorities issued additional evacuation orders as high temperatures and strong winds pushed fires toward suburban neighborhoods.

The blazes have severed rail links between Bordeaux and Biarritz, while two firefighters have lost their lives in response efforts. French officials also noted suspicions of intentional arson behind new outbreaks in the Var region. In Spain, a national state of emergency remains active as firefighters battle uncontained fronts across multiple regions. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that nationwide burned land reached 115,000 hectares this year.

Sources: BBC News, Der Standard, DW, Le Figaro

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