More than 360,000 evacuated as wildfires rage in France and Spain

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing its staff and Reuters, reported on July 26, 2026, that major wildfires in France and Spain have forced more than 360,000 people to evacuate as authorities struggle to bring the blazes under control. The fires have been fueled in part by repeated summer heatwaves, drought and water shortages, conditions that have made large parts of western Europe more vulnerable to fast-moving flames.

In France, officials said 55,000 people were evacuated overnight in the southwestern Gironde region, where about 42,000 hectares have already burned. Al Jazeera reported that roughly 250,000 people have been evacuated from the area so far, with flames moving toward Bordeaux, the well-known wine-producing port city. Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave said on X that the city was preparing to receive evacuees who lacked alternative housing.

French authorities have deployed about 1,500 military personnel, 1,700 security personnel and 1,400 firefighters, along with aircraft dropping fire retardant. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union had sent five aircraft and two helicopters to assist France.

In Spain, officials declared a national emergency as fires west of Madrid and in the Valencia region prompted more than 116,000 evacuations. Firefighters found an elderly man dead in his car on Saturday, according to the report. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said around 130,000 hectares have burned in Spain this year and warned of difficult conditions ahead. The World Meteorological Organization has said western Europe recorded its hottest June on record, adding wider climate context to concerns about future wildfire seasons.