More than 300,000 people have been forced to leave their homes as devastating Europe wildfires continue to spread across France and Spain, fuelled by extreme heat, strong winds and prolonged dry weather. The fires have triggered one of the region’s largest evacuation drives this year, while authorities warn that conditions remain highly dangerous.

According to reports from the BBC, France has evacuated around 250,000 people from the south-western regions of Gironde and Landes, with another 55,000 residents ordered to leave later on Saturday. Spain has also evacuated nearly 60,000 people from the Madrid and Ávila regions, while thousands more have been advised to remain indoors because of heavy smoke.

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Why are the Europe wildfires spreading so rapidly?

French firefighters said the wildfire near Bordeaux remains far from being contained as strong winds continue to change the fire’s direction. Firefighter Captain Nicolas Braz said the blaze had generated its own wind patterns, making firefighting operations highly unpredictable, according to the BBC.

The French government has deployed military personnel to assist firefighters by clearing vegetation and creating firebreaks. President Emmanuel Macron said the government would continue supporting firefighting operations for as long as necessary. Authorities also shortened the final stage of the Tour de France to free up security personnel for emergency response.

Spain battles worsening wildfire crisis

Spain has declared a state of emergency in several affected regions as firefighters continue battling multiple blazes. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska warned that weather conditions could worsen the situation, while Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso described the ongoing blaze as the worst wildfire in the region’s history.

Fire in France / X, Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf
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Fire in France / X, Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf

According to official figures, around 130,000 hectares have already burned across Spain this year, exceeding the country’s decade-long annual average of 100,000 hectares. A man believed to be in his 70s was also found dead inside his vehicle after a wildfire near Valencia, according to authorities.

What is causing the severe Europe wildfires?

Officials have attributed the rapid spread of the fires to a combination of record temperatures, prolonged dry conditions and powerful winds. The European Union has also warned that this year’s wildfire season began earlier than usual.

Hadja Lahbib, EU commissioner for crisis management, stated that Europe could see record fire damage this year owing to yet another heat wave. France has seen nearly 98,000 hectares scorched by wildfires in 2026, and Spain has seen an estimated 130,000 hectares of burning land, according to the BBC.

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In order to enhance fire fighting, France triggered the EU Civil Protection Mechanism resulting in the dispatch of aircraft, helicopters, and firefighters from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also confirmed that more firefighting aircraft have been sent to assist in fire fighting in France and Spain.

FAQs

Q1. How many people have been evacuated because of the Europe wildfires?


Over 300,000 people have been evacuated from France and Spain due to wildfires.

Q2. What has led to Europe wildfires?


Extreme heat, drought and strong winds have provided perfect conditions for fire to spread.