More than 300,000 people have fled their homes or been ordered to shelter indoors as massive wildfires spread across France and Spain. The blazes have forced evacuations during peak vacation season, disrupting travel and tourism across both countries. Spain's Prime Minister warned of "complex hours" ahead, while French authorities stated they remain far from containing the fires burning near Bordeaux.
Scientists have linked the escalating wildfires to climate breakdown, which is intensifying extreme weather events and drying soils across Europe. Spain has already recorded 32 major forest fires this year compared to seven during the same period in 2025. Another heat wave is forecast to hit Europe this week, further complicating firefighting efforts.