ARCACHON, France: Wildfires in France and Spain forced more than 200,000 people from their homes on July 24 as flames threatened areas near Bordeaux and Madrid.
France’s Interior Ministry reported about 141,000 evacuations across the Gironde and Landes departments. Meanwhile, Spain’s Interior Ministry said approximately 60,000 people fled towns west of Madrid.
Authorities reported no deaths from the latest fires. However, dozens of French firefighters suffered injuries, according to the Associated Press.
French authorities evacuated the entire Cap Ferret peninsula by road and sea. Around 1,500 people reached Arcachon by boat after flames threatened the peninsula’s only access road.
The Gironde fire burned about 140 square kilometres and moved east towards Bordeaux. Local authorities reported 53 destroyed homes and a campsite.
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French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the military to support civilian emergency crews. France also activated the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism and requested international aircraft.
In Spain, the government declared its first national emergency over wildfires. The declaration placed state, regional and local resources under central coordination.
Two fires west of Madrid merged after burning about 30 square kilometres. Separately, the Burgohondo fire in Ávila province scorched around 90 square kilometres.
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Madrid regional President Isabel Díaz Ayuso called it the worst wildfire in the region’s history. Authorities also ordered about 20,000 residents to remain indoors because of smoke and fire risks.
Spain deployed the Military Emergency Unit, while Italy and Greece offered four Canadair aircraft. The Civil Guard also detained one person in connection with the Ávila fire and investigated another.
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Extreme heat, low humidity and strong winds intensified the wildfires in France and Spain. Officials continued investigating their immediate causes.
