More than 250,000 people have fled wildfires sweeping France and Spain as firefighters battle worsening blazes driven by strong winds and extreme heat.
More than 250,000 people have fled fast-moving wildfires across France and Spain, with firefighters battling strong winds and high temperatures that continue to fuel the blazes. According to the BBC, about 200,000 people have been evacuated from France’s Gironde and Landes regions, while nearly 60,000 have fled affected areas around Madrid and Ávila in Spain.
French authorities said flames remain 40 to 50 kilometres from Bordeaux, but smoke has blanketed the city. France has deployed military personnel to help firefighters, while the final stage of the Tour de France has been shortened to free up security forces for emergency operations.
Spain declared a state of emergency, although cooler weather has slowed the fires near Madrid. Authorities also confirmed the death of a man in his 70s in a wildfire near Valencia. European officials expect this year’s wildfire season to surpass previous records, with additional heatwaves forecast across the continent.
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