Wildfires have reached the outskirts of Bordeaux, a city central to France’s winelands, as France and Spain tackle severe blazes causing widespread evacuations. In France, around 220,000 people have been evacuated, while in Spain, over 75,000 have been displaced from their homes, with an additional 30,000 advised to seek shelter.

Fire Threatens Bordeaux

Fires ravaging France’s Cap Ferret peninsula have spread towards areas surrounding Bordeaux. Firefighters are actively working to prevent the flames from reaching the city. Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave stated that the fire was about 15 kilometers from city entry points, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the situation as difficult.

Local residents have found refuge at the Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux following evacuations prompted by regional wildfires.

Spain Sees Extensive Damage

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Avila, impacted by major fires alongside Madrid and Toledo. More than 45,000 hectares have burned in Spain’s central provinces. Sánchez highlighted a brief opportunity to control the fires and safeguard lives and communities.

In Spain’s Castellon province, a separate fire has ravaged over 4,300 hectares. Valencia’s regional leader Juanfran Perez reported technical challenges in extinguishing the fire due to adverse weather. The blaze has entered the Sierra de Espadan natural park, home to extensive pine and cork oak forests.

Climate Conditions Intensifying Fires

Prolonged drought and heatwaves, enhanced by climate change, are linked to the escalating fires. Average July temperatures in Bordeaux and Avila have hit 32 degrees Celsius—6 degrees above historical averages.

International Support Deployed

Under the EU civil protection mechanism, Greece and Italy have provided firefighting aircraft to Spain. Portugal has contributed over 100 military personnel and equipment. Turkey is sending additional aircraft shortly. Sánchez announced plans to declare a civil protection emergency, unlocking recovery funds.

With over 150,000 hectares burning across Spain since January, Sánchez emphasized the need for climate science-based policies to address the growing scale and severity of wildfires.

Other Areas Impacted

In Scotland, around 500 firefighters have been managing a fire in Cairngorms National Park since mid-July. Residents of Nethy Bridge were temporarily evacuated but have since returned home.

Pope Leo expressed solidarity from his residence in Castel Gandolfo, urging prayers for those affected and the rescue workers involved.