Wildfires force 350,000 to evacuate across France and Spain

Wildfires across southwestern France and central Spain have forced more than 350,000 people to evacuate their homes as severe weather conditions continue to hamper firefighting efforts.

In France's Gironde and Landes regions, total displacements have reached approximately 250,000 people following fresh evacuation orders. The fires in Gironde have scorched around 42,000 hectares—an area four times the size of Paris—and destroyed at least 140 homes. Emergency services reported that the blaze generated a pyrocumulonimbus cloud, producing volatile localized winds that further complicate containment.

In Spain, a national emergency remains in effect after three wildfires west of Madrid merged into a single large blaze. Regional officials warned the fire has exceeded containment capacity, driving at least 30,000 residents to flee. Fire crews in both nations face ongoing difficulties amid extreme heat and strong gusting winds.

Sources: BBC News, Der Standard, DW, ORF