Europe

France and Spain continue to battle fires as new heatwave looms

Authorities warned the return of scorching temperatures this week could fuel the continent's worst fires in living memory, with a massive blaze still threatening Bordeaux even as firefighters began gaining ground elsewhere.

Wildfire smoke over a hillside under overcast sky
Wildfire smoke over a hillside under overcast skyPhoto: Tim Mossholder / Pexels
France 24 Europe1 h ago

France and Spain are continuing to battle some of the most destructive wildfires the continent has seen in living memory. Authorities warned that a new heatwave expected this week could cause the flames to spread further.

A massive blaze near Bordeaux still poses a serious threat, forcing the evacuation of thousands of tourists and residents while also prompting protective measures at strategically important defense sites. Firefighters have made progress in other regions in recent hours.

In Spain, fires around Madrid have already affected more than 50,000 hectares. Officials say the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in the fight to contain the blazes.

EnergyEuropeFrance 24 Europe
This article is an AI-curated summary of the original story published by France 24 Europe. The illustration is a stock photo by Tim Mossholder from Pexels and is not from the original story.

Read next