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More than 80,000 people have been forced to evacuate as fast-moving wildfires continue to spread across south-west France and central Spain, prompting emergency measures, large-scale rescue operations, and requests for assistance from the European Union.
French authorities ordered the full evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula, one of the country's most popular holiday destinations, after an intense wildfire rapidly expanded through coastal forests. Officials described the blaze as highly unpredictable, with strong winds and extreme heat making firefighting efforts increasingly difficult.
The fire has already destroyed over 12,500 hectares (30,900 acres) of woodland near Arcachon Bay, west of Bordeaux. More than 44,000 residents and tourists have been evacuated over the past two days, with hundreds transported to safety by boat as flames threatened the peninsula's only access road.
Approximately 800 firefighters, supported by water-bombing aircraft, are battling the blaze. Despite their efforts, officials say the fire remains out of control. Around 80 homes have been destroyed, and several roads remain closed except for emergency vehicles.
Another major wildfire burning near the popular resort town of Biscarrosse has scorched more than 2,500 hectares and forced the evacuation of around 25,000 people. More than 600 firefighters continue working to prevent further destruction as shifting winds create new fire outbreaks.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France has activated the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, allowing additional firefighting resources from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia to assist in containing the fires.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 32 active wildfires are currently burning across France. So far this year, approximately 50,000 hectares of land have been burned—nearly four times the area affected during the same period in 2025.
Meanwhile, Spain has declared its first national wildfire emergency after multiple fires erupted near Madrid and in the neighboring province of Ávila. Authorities said two major fires have already merged, while a third is close to joining them, raising fears of an even larger wildfire.
More than 19,000 people have been evacuated from affected communities, with emergency shelters opened for displaced residents. The Spanish government described the situation as exceptionally serious due to the combination of multiple fires, strong winds, and prolonged extreme heat.
Regional authorities warned that firefighters are struggling to keep pace with the rapidly advancing flames, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez chaired an emergency response meeting to coordinate national efforts.
Spain's Environment Ministry reported that 29 major forest fires have already occurred in 2026—more than three times the average recorded during the same period over the past decade. Nearly 115,000 hectares of land have burned this year, significantly higher than last year's total for the same timeframe.
Both France and Spain have appealed for additional aerial firefighting support through the EU's emergency response system as scorching temperatures continue to fuel dangerous fire conditions across southern Europe.
Scientists have repeatedly warned that rising global temperatures and prolonged droughts are increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires across Europe. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, the amount of land burned across the EU this year is already about double the seasonal average, highlighting the growing impact of climate-related extreme weather.
Emergency services remain on high alert as authorities warn that high temperatures and strong winds could allow the fires to spread further in the coming days.
