France and Spain brace for heatwave that could worsen raging wildfires

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing its staff as well as AP and Reuters, reports that authorities in France and Spain say the advance of major wildfires near Bordeaux and Madrid has slowed, even as both countries prepare for another period of extreme heat that could worsen existing fires or help spark new ones. The report was published on July 28, 2026, as temperatures were expected to rise through Wednesday.

In southwestern France, about 4,000 people were evacuated Tuesday from tourist areas around Lacanau in the Gironde region, raising the total number displaced in Gironde to more than 250,000, according to the report. Gironde, a wine-producing area that includes Bordeaux, is described as the hardest-hit part of France. Sophie Brocas, the region’s prefect, has suspended sporting and cultural events until August 8. France’s fourth heatwave of the year was expected to begin Tuesday, with forecasts of up to 40C in the coming days.

Spain is also dealing with large fires, particularly in central areas including Avila and Toledo. Al Jazeera reports that 116,000 people have been forced from their homes since the fires began, though residents of nine of 11 evacuated towns in Toledo province were allowed to return Tuesday. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the situation had improved after overnight firefighting progress. Around 800 square kilometres have burned.

The fires are unfolding amid broader concerns about how extreme heat and dry conditions can intensify wildfire seasons. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez linked the disaster to the climate emergency while warning that the approaching heatwave remained a serious challenge.