Wildfires Rage Out of Control in France and Spain, Over 300,000 Evacuated as Flames Approach Bordeaux
Over 300,000 evacuated as wildfires rage in France and Spain. France deploys military as flames approach Bordeaux; Spain declares state of emergency.
Wildfires are raging across Europe, with France and Spain being the hardest hit. Over 300,000 people have been evacuated from both countries, according to BBC reports cited by CCTV News. The Gironde and Landes departments in southwestern France are the most severely affected, with the fire front approaching within 30 kilometers west of Bordeaux. French authorities ordered another 55,000 people to evacuate on the night of July 25, bringing the total evacuees in southwestern France to approximately 250,000. The French government has mobilized the military, deploying transport aircraft to drop tons of fire retardant in the Gironde fire zone. Spain has declared a state of emergency, with nearly 60,000 evacuated from Madrid and Avila regions and over 28,000 ordered to shelter in place. One man died in a wildfire near Valencia. Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez visited the Avila fire zone on July 26. Italy's Sicily and Scotland in the UK are also battling wildfires, with European nations coordinating cross-border firefighting aircraft and personnel.