Wildfires Force 160,000 to Flee France, Spain

Untamed wildfires across France and Spain forced over 160,000 people to flee their homes and holiday destinations on Saturday as historic blazes threatened suburban Madrid and Bordeaux.

French authorities evacuated more than 141,000 residents and tourists in the Gironde department, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to deploy 1,000 military personnel to assist overwhelmed fire crews.

In neighbouring Spain, emergency responders ordered 25,000 people to evacuate west of Madrid after two massive wildfires merged into a single inferno that continues to burn beyond containment capacity.

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Displaced residents and tourists flooded into temporary shelters set up in schools, gymnasiums, and hangars, with hundreds fleeing southwestern France’s Cap Ferret peninsula by boat.

France (News Central TV) — Wildfires force 160,000 to flee France and Spain. Credit: Reuters

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened emergency planning meetings in the fire zone as erratic winds and tinder-dry forest conditions complicated response efforts.

With local forces stretched to exhaustion and dozens of firefighters injured, both nations issued formal requests for emergency assistance from the European Union.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.