Spain and France are preparing for another intense heatwave as soaring temperatures threaten to worsen devastating wildfires across both countries. Authorities have warned that temperatures could exceed 40 degrees Celsius in several regions this week.
Spain’s national weather service said the extreme weather is expected to continue until at least Sunday. Officials also warned that severe fire conditions would increase the risk of new blazes.
Meanwhile, France placed the south-western regions of Gironde and Landes under a yellow heatwave alert. Forecasters expect temperatures to peak on Wednesday, complicating ongoing firefighting operations.
Bordeaux Wildfire Prompts Mass Evacuations
A major wildfire has spread to within 15 kilometres of Bordeaux, prompting local authorities to prepare for additional evacuations. Mayor Thomas Cazenave said emergency services were ready to accommodate more residents if conditions worsened.
More than 220,000 people have already been evacuated across France, while over 100,000 residents have fled wildfire-hit areas in Spain. Fires continue burning uncontrolled west of Madrid despite extensive firefighting efforts.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the disaster as an unprecedented wildfire crisis. Although a blaze in Landes has been contained, he warned that rising temperatures and strong winds continue threatening affected areas.
Officials said the Gironde wildfire has already burned thousands of hectares and destroyed hundreds of homes. Local authorities cautioned that changing winds and flying embers could rapidly spread the flames.
Heatwave Fuels Europe’s Growing Fire Crisis
French officials reported more than 116,000 hectares have burned since January, with thousands of fires recorded nationwide. Authorities said most wildfires resulted from human carelessness, although investigators have also made numerous arrests over suspected arson.
In neighbouring Spain, authorities remain on high alert as major wildfires continue west of Madrid. Satellite images showed several separate fires merging into one massive blaze that has scorched more than 27,000 hectares.
Scientists say climate change is driving higher temperatures across Europe, increasing the frequency of heatwaves and destructive wildfires. As a result, emergency services continue preparing for further extreme weather in the coming days.
