Severe heatwave and record-breaking wildfires grip France and Spain

Western Europe is currently facing an unprecedented wildfire crisis driven by extreme heat and arid conditions. In France, approximately 220,000 people have been evacuated, with flames threatening the outskirts of Bordeaux. By late July 2026, over 98,000 hectares of land have burned in France, marking a national record. President Emmanuel Macron has described the situation as the most severe since World War II, prompting France to request assistance via the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, with support expected from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

In Spain, the situation is similarly critical, with over 105,000 people affected—75,000 evacuated and 30,000 ordered to shelter in place. Wildfires have consumed over 77,000 hectares, most notably in the provinces of Avila, Toledo, and Madrid. The fire in Avila has been identified as the largest in modern Spanish history, ravaging 50,000 hectares. Authorities have deployed thousands of personnel, including military units and aerial support, to combat the blazes. While some fires have been partially contained, meteorologists warn of a new heat surge approaching, which threatens to undermine ongoing firefighting efforts and worsen the situation across the region.