More Than 200,000 Evacuated or Ordered to Lock Down as Wildfires Sweep France and Spain

More than 200,000 people have either fled their homes or been ordered to remain indoors as massive wildfires continue to rage across France and Spain, prompting Spain to declare a national emergency and France to order the full evacuation of one of its most famous holiday destinations, the Cap Ferret Peninsula.

In southwestern France, an "intense and highly unpredictable" wildfire has burned through more than 19,000 hectares of pine forest on the Atlantic coast. Authorities have been evacuating Cap Ferret village by village as flames continue to spread rapidly.

Meanwhile, in Spain, two major wildfires outside Madrid have merged into a single massive blaze, while a third fire is close to joining them amid scorching temperatures and tinder-dry conditions across southern Europe.

Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso described the disaster as "the worst wildfire in our region's history," calling it "an unprecedented situation created by extremely high temperatures and relentless winds."

More Than 110,000 Evacuated in France

French authorities said more than 110,000 people had been evacuated from the Cap Ferret area over two days, including thousands of tourists staying in campsites and holiday rentals.

As flames threatened to cut off the peninsula's only access road, hundreds of people were evacuated by boat.

Around 800 firefighters and four water-bombing aircraft are battling the blaze, which began on Wednesday near the village of Saumos. Officials say the fire remains out of control.

A second wildfire near the popular resort town of Biscarrosse has burned more than 2,500 hectares, forcing the evacuation of approximately 31,000 people. More than 600 firefighters are working to contain that blaze.

Homes Destroyed

Authorities have closed most roads leading to Cap Ferret, allowing access only for emergency services. At least 80 homes have already been destroyed.

Jean Mazodier, an 86-year-old forest owner who was evacuated from his home, said:

"I've seen plenty of fires before, but never one of this intensity. Everything's burned. It's like losing a child."

Climate Change Intensifying Wildfires

Scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, drying out forests and soils, and creating conditions that fuel larger and more destructive wildfires. Europe is warming at roughly twice the global average rate.

France Requests EU Assistance

French President Emmanuel Macron has activated the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism to reinforce firefighting efforts.

France expects support from:

Two firefighting aircraft from Croatia,

Two aircraft from Portugal,

Two heavy helicopters from the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 32 wildfires are currently burning across the country. So far this year, nearly 50,000 hectares have been scorched—almost four times the area burned by the same date last year.

Spain Declares National Emergency

Spain declared its first-ever national emergency for a wildfire after fires threatened communities near Madrid and in neighbouring Ávila province.

More than 63,000 people have either been evacuated or ordered to remain indoors.

Madrid's regional environment minister Carlos Novillo warned that the fire had reached "a critical moment" and was "beyond our extinguishing capability." He said protecting lives remains the top priority.

Government Response

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez chaired an emergency meeting on Friday, saying the government had deployed all available resources to combat the fires and support affected communities. He is expected to visit the disaster zone on Saturday.

Record-Breaking Fire Season

According to Spain's Environment Ministry, 29 major forest fires have been recorded so far in 2026, compared with an average of nine during the same period over the past decade.

The fires have already burned approximately 114,796 hectares, compared with 25,133 hectares by the same time last year.

Investigation Underway

Spain's Guardia Civil has arrested one person and placed another under investigation in connection with the wildfire in Burgohondo, Ávila province. Authorities believe sparks from heavy machinery—used despite an official ban—may have ignited the blaze.