Spain declared a national emergency over wildfires for the first time as extreme heat intensified blazes across Europe. Meanwhile, France evacuated thousands from its Atlantic coast as fires threatened homes and communities.
French authorities ordered the full evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula, where about 63,000 people were moved to safety. Officials said many evacuees were transported by boat as flames and smoke approached residential areas.
Read more: Deadly wildfires sweep across southern Europe
According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, the Cap Ferret fire has burned around 10,000 hectares and destroyed about 50 homes. Another major wildfire in Biscarrosse also forced residents to evacuate.
Meanwhile, Spain evacuated more than 10,000 people from areas west of Madrid. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the emergency declaration would improve coordination as strong winds and high temperatures fueled rapidly spreading fires.
Moreover, Spain requested assistance from the European Union to strengthen firefighting efforts. More than 270 emergency personnel, 40 ground units, helicopters, and military emergency teams have been deployed to contain the blazes.
Read more: Wildfires spread as heat scorches Southern Europe
Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron said France had also sought EU firefighting support for the Cap Ferret wildfire. Authorities warned that another period of intense heat next week could worsen fire conditions and strain critical infrastructure.
Therefore, officials across both countries remain on high alert as firefighters battle multiple wildfires. The prolonged heatwave is also affecting agriculture and nuclear power operations, highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather across Europe.