More than 220,000 individuals have been evacuated from the Gironde department in southwestern France due to ongoing devastating wildfires. Authorities in Gironde recently instructed the evacuation of an additional 55,000 residents on the outskirts of Bordeaux. The fires in Gironde have already consumed around 42,000 hectares of land.
The wildfires have led to significant disruptions in transportation. The French national railway operator SNCF announced the suspension of rail traffic south of Bordeaux until further notice. Services have been halted towards Arcachon and Morcenx as per the prefecture’s request.
Wildfires have scorched approximately 98,000 hectares of land across France in 2026, marking a historic record for the country, as stated by French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez. France has sought the activation of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism to combat the spreading wildfires, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.
Spain is currently facing a destructive wildfire season, with massive blazes engulfing the Madrid region and neighboring Avila. Tens of thousands of individuals have been forced to evacuate or remain indoors due to the intense fires. The Spanish government has declared a national emergency in response to the widespread devastation caused by the fires.
In central Spain, wildfires persist despite firefighting efforts, with authorities cautioning about challenging weather conditions including strong winds and low humidity. Madrid’s regional president, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, described the ongoing fire as the worst in the region’s history. Around 91,000 people have been evacuated or instructed to stay indoors across the Madrid region, Avila province, and parts of Toledo.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting the unfavorable weather conditions that have hindered firefighting operations. The fires have ravaged or damaged approximately 45,000 hectares in Madrid and Avila provinces.
