Wind-driven flames threatened communities near Bordeaux and Madrid as both countries mobilized military personnel and sought European assistance.
BORDEAUX, France — More than 250,000 people were evacuated from communities in France and Spain as fast-moving wildfires spread toward populated areas, filled cities with smoke and strained firefighting crews during another period of extreme summer heat.
About 197,000 people were evacuated from the Gironde and Landes departments in southwestern France, according to French officials. In Spain, about 70,000 people were ordered to leave communities affected by major fires in central parts of the country. Spanish authorities said roughly 88,000 people had either been evacuated or told to remain inside because of the fires and smoke.
The largest French fire moved inland from the Atlantic coast toward Bordeaux after shifting winds changed its direction. Authorities ordered evacuations in western suburbs and other communities between the flames and the city. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said Saturday that the fire was about 30 kilometers, or 19 miles, from Bordeaux and warned that the response would be long and difficult.
The French Interior Ministry said 167,000 people had been evacuated because of the Gironde fire and another 30,000 had left areas threatened by a separate blaze in the Landes department. Many of those ordered out were tourists visiting coastal towns and campgrounds during the busy summer season. Some people left the Cap Ferret peninsula by boat when the fire threatened road access.
The Bordeaux-Lac Exhibition Centre was converted into emergency housing for displaced residents and visitors. Hundreds of evacuees arrived carrying small bags, pets and other belongings collected during hurried departures. Bordeaux’s airport remained open, but fires and evacuation measures disrupted some road, train and bus connections in the region.
France deployed soldiers and additional aircraft to support firefighters. An A400M military transport plane joined the response Saturday and dropped fire retardant over threatened forest. The government also sent protective masks to areas affected by smoke. The Interior Ministry said France’s national aerial fleet included Canadair water bombers, Dash aircraft, reconnaissance planes and helicopters, with additional European resources available.
Strong winds also complicated efforts in Spain, where two of three major fires near Madrid merged Friday. Another large fire burned in neighboring Ávila province. Spain declared a national wildfire emergency, allowing the central government to coordinate resources across regions and request more help from other European countries.
Spanish officials advised people in Madrid to limit outdoor activity because smoke had reduced air quality. Firefighters received some relief when temperatures declined and humidity increased, but officials warned that changing winds could quickly worsen conditions. Thousands of emergency workers, military personnel and nearly 20 aircraft were involved in the Spanish response.
A smaller fire near Manises, outside Valencia, caused Spain’s first reported wildfire death during the emergency. The Interior Ministry said an older man was found dead inside a vehicle after that fire began and was extinguished Saturday. Authorities said the death was separate from the larger fires affecting areas west of Madrid.
The fires followed repeated heat waves and prolonged dry conditions across southern Europe. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the country was facing fires at a level not previously seen. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said about 130,000 hectares had burned in Spain this year, while French officials reported more than 98,000 hectares burned.
Scientists have found that higher temperatures and extended drought can dry trees, grasses and soil, creating conditions in which wildfires spread more rapidly and become harder to control. Europe has warmed faster than the global average, and authorities in France and Spain have faced several major fires during the 2026 summer season.
France and Spain requested international support through the European Union’s civil protection system. Aircraft and other assistance were sent or prepared by countries including Greece, Italy, Portugal, Croatia, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Firefighters continued working to protect communities and strengthen control lines as officials assessed when evacuated residents could return.
Author note: Last updated July 26, 2026.