Mapped: The areas in France and Spain affected by raging wildfires

Wildfires across France and Spain have reached unprecedented levels, forcing over 300,000 people from their homes. Officials describe these incidents as historical events fueled by severe heatwaves, drought, and high winds.

In France, the Gironde region remains the focal point, with massive blazes affecting the Cap-Ferret peninsula and encroaching on the outskirts of Bordeaux. Local authorities have drafted military support to manage the crisis as the smoke impacts air quality across wide swathes of the country. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that the government is distributing 1.5 million masks to residents affected by the smoke.

Spain faces a national emergency as flames spread near Madrid. Approximately 70,000 residents have been evacuated from villages surrounding the capital. One fatality has been reported in Valencia, where the victim was found in a car located in a ravine far from the main fire zones. While central and western regions show minor improvements in fire risk, the north-east and east remain under extreme danger warnings.

Health officials in both nations advise residents to remain indoors, keep windows closed, and limit physical activity to protect against dangerous air quality levels. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation, as the scale of the destruction across both countries is significant.