France and Spain are confronting some of the most severe wildfires they have ever faced, having evacuated over 330,000 people combined. Numerous flights have been canceled or delayed.
Foreign news agencies reported on 26 Jul 2026 that France and Spain are struggling with major wildfires spreading intensely, regarded as among the most severe in both countries' histories, leading to evacuations of more than 330,000 people.
In France's Gironde region in the southwest, more than 55,000 people were evacuated overnight from Saturday to Sunday, with over 220,000 evacuated across the region. Approximately 42,000 hectares of forest have burned there, and since the start of the year, wildfires have destroyed about 98,000 hectares nationwide.
These figures mark the largest wildfire event in France since World War II. Strong winds and dry conditions are causing unpredictable fire behavior, with flames advancing towards the city of Bordeaux.
France has deployed over 2,500 firefighters, supported by a Swiss assistance team, 1,500 military personnel, and nearly 1,200 police officers to control the situation. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the government will fully support restoration efforts in affected areas.
Other impacts include damage to more than 150 homes in the coastal town of Le Porge, while authorities have closed a 60-kilometer stretch of the A63 highway heading towards Spain.
Bordeaux airport has restricted air traffic to prioritize firefighting aircraft, causing numerous commercial flight delays and cancellations. The final stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Paris was shortened to free personnel to assist firefighting efforts.
Meanwhile, Spain has evacuated over 90,000 people, particularly around Madrid and the Ávila region, where more than 77,000 hectares have been damaged. This has become the most severe wildfire event in modern Spanish history.
New wildfires have also emerged near Valencia. Local officials report that the fires have spread beyond control due to high temperatures and low humidity.
So far, the wildfires have caused the deaths of two firefighters in France and one civilian in Spain.
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Source:bbc