Hundreds of thousands evacuated as wildfires sweep France and Spain

More than 320,000 residents have been evacuated across France and Spain as wildfires rage in the southwest of France and around Madrid. In the Gironde department of southwestern France, about 220,000 people were moved to temporary shelters in exhibition centres and sports halls after a fire that began on Tuesday burned roughly 42,000 hectares. The prefecture said firefighters prevented further spread overnight, but conditions remain "unfavourable" and efforts are now focused on treating the fire’s edges and creating tactical firebreaks with aerial support.

"Today, thanks to more favourable weather conditions, efforts are focused on treating the fire’s edges and creating tactical firebreaks, supported by aerial resources," the Gironde prefecture said.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the blaze as "unprecedented" and noted its erratic behaviour, adding that 2,750 firefighters, 1,500 soldiers, 1,440 police officers and gendarmes, and 18 aerial assets are engaged in the operation. Eighty-eight firefighters have been injured since the fire started. Local authorities have banned summer camps, Scout activities and holiday stays for people with disabilities in the region due to the emergency.

Farmers have offered water tanks and local terrain knowledge to assist responders. Wine grower Theo Hernandez said the fire is "very strong, very virulent, it’s spreading everywhere," while prefect Sophie Brocas warned that individual farmer initiatives should be coordinated through official channels.

In Spain, elderly evacuees from a town near Madrid are being allowed to return home as crews work to stabilise the blaze that has affected areas around the capital. Evacuations also took place in the Valencia region on Sunday, and a man died in a wildfire in Manises, marking the first fatality in the current series of fires. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who plans to visit the affected Valencia areas, said the night had been "very positive in terms of bringing the flames under control" but warned that difficult hours remain.

The Spanish government reported that 76,000 people have been evacuated and 30,000 remain confined to their homes. Residents expressed uncertainty about the condition of their properties after the fires. Rocío Domínguez, who fled with her dog from Chapinería west of Madrid, described the scene as resembling an apocalypse, with ash covering everything and uncertainty about the state of her home and belongings.