Wildfires advance toward Bordeaux as thousands evacuate across France and Spain

Emergency crews in southwestern France and Spain are fighting expanding wildfires as severe heat and high winds push flames toward the outskirts of Bordeaux. Local authorities ordered evacuations for several towns west of Bordeaux, with fire officials stating they "are far from having the fire under control."

The blazes have destroyed over 42,000 hectares in the Gironde region and killed at least two firefighters. Evacuation estimates vary among outlets, ranging from 220,000 residents in Gironde to more than 325,000 people across both countries. The crisis has forced the closure of the Bordeaux–Biarritz railway line and disrupted the Tour de France.

Meanwhile, French authorities launched arson investigations into multiple simultaneous fires in the Var department, as President Emmanuel Macron convened a crisis meeting.

Sources: BBC News, Der Standard, France24, Helsingin Sanomat, Le Figaro.