Severe wildfires in Spain and France force mass evacuations

By  News On Air   Jul 25, 2026

Severe wildfires in Spain and France have forced thousands of people to leave their homes as firefighters struggle to control the flames. In Spain, three wildfires west of Madrid have merged into one massive blaze. Officials said the fire is currently beyond fire-fighters’ ability to fully contain because of extreme heat, strong winds, and dry conditions. Spain’s government has declared a national emergency, with more than 60,000 people in the Madrid region have been affected, with around 30,000 evacuated and others ordered to stay indoors.

Madrid’s regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso called it the worst wildfire in the region’s history. The Military Emergency Unit has been sent to protect towns near El Escorial and other affected areas.

In south-west France, more than 140,000 people have been evacuated as wildfires spread through the Gironde and Landes regions. The Gironde fire has destroyed homes and burned more than 19,000 hectares of forest. Authorities said the fire is unusually powerful and difficult to control because of drought, high temperatures, and strong winds.

French President Emmanuel Macron has sent additional support, including military assistance and help from European countries. Around 50 firefighters have been injured while fighting the flames.

Experts say extreme heat, drought, and climate change are making wildfires more frequent and dangerous across Europe. Dry vegetation acts as fuel, allowing fires to spread faster and become harder to stop.