Spain declares emergency over wildfires as extreme heat and strong winds continue to fuel devastating fires across parts of Europe. The Spanish government announced its first-ever national emergency due to wildfires, while France ordered large-scale evacuations and requested assistance from the European Union.
French authorities ordered the complete evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula, a popular tourist destination on the Atlantic coast, after flames moved dangerously close to residential areas. Officials said around 63,000 people were evacuated, with many transported to safety by boat as firefighters battled the rapidly spreading blaze.
The wildfire, which began in Saumos north of Cap Ferret, has burned nearly 10,000 hectares of land and destroyed about 80 homes, including around 50 that were completely reduced to ashes. Another major fire in the nearby town of Biscarrosse also forced residents to leave their homes as smoke covered surrounding communities.
Spain declares emergency over wildfires after more than 10,000 residents were evacuated from towns in the mountains west of Madrid. Authorities said the emergency measure would improve coordination between national and regional agencies as firefighters worked to stop multiple fires from merging into an even larger disaster.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said dense populations, aggressive fire behavior, and continued hot and windy conditions made the emergency declaration necessary. Spain also requested support from the European Union, while more than 270 emergency personnel, military units, helicopters, and ground crews were deployed to affected regions.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France had asked the European Union for additional firefighting aircraft to help contain the Cap Ferret wildfire. Meteorologists warned that temperatures are expected to rise again next week, increasing the risk of further wildfires and placing additional pressure on emergency services.
Spain declares emergency over wildfires as Europe faces another severe fire season driven by prolonged heatwaves. Officials warned that continued high temperatures are also affecting agriculture and energy production, with France reporting damage to maize crops and heat-related restrictions at some nuclear power facilities.
