Fast-moving flames threatened communities near Bordeaux and Madrid as military personnel and aircraft joined an expanding international response.
BORDEAUX, France — More than 250,000 people were ordered from homes, vacation sites and other threatened areas in France and Spain as wind-driven wildfires advanced toward major population centers, covered communities in smoke and strained emergency crews during intense summer heat.
The largest evacuation effort was underway in southwestern France, where officials said about 250,000 people had been displaced by fires in the Gironde and Landes departments by Sunday. Spain separately reported about 70,000 evacuations from areas affected by major fires near Madrid and in neighboring Ávila province. The totals changed as authorities expanded evacuation zones and allowed some residents to move between shelters or safer communities.
A large fire in Gironde moved inland from France’s Atlantic coast and continued advancing toward Bordeaux after shifting winds altered its direction. Authorities ordered people to leave additional towns and western suburbs as the flames moved closer to the historic wine-producing city. The fire remained uncontrolled, and officials warned that strong winds could push it across roads and defensive lines established by firefighters.
French authorities said the main Gironde fire was about 15 kilometers, or 9 miles, from Bordeaux on Sunday. Partial highway closures and evacuation measures disrupted travel across the region. Smoke also reached the city, reducing visibility and affecting air quality as emergency workers prepared shelters for residents and tourists leaving threatened coastal areas.
The evacuations included thousands of visitors staying at beaches, campgrounds and vacation communities during the busy summer season. Some people left the Cap Ferret peninsula by boat when officials feared that fires could block road access. Others drove inland through heavy traffic while carrying pets, documents and a small amount of luggage gathered during hurried departures.
The Bordeaux-Lac Exhibition Centre was among the large public buildings converted into emergency housing. Displaced residents and tourists arrived throughout the crisis, while local authorities organized food, sleeping areas and basic services. Officials said residents should not return to evacuated communities until fire crews determined that roads and neighborhoods were safe.
France deployed military personnel and additional aircraft to reinforce firefighters working across the southwest. The response included water-dropping planes, helicopters, reconnaissance aircraft and ground crews. An A400M military transport aircraft was also used to release fire retardant over threatened forest, while protective masks were sent to communities affected by heavy smoke.
President Emmanuel Macron ordered military support as the scale of the fires stretched local and national resources. France also requested help through the European Union’s civil protection system. Several European countries offered aircraft, helicopters or other equipment as crews worked to protect populated areas and stop the fires from crossing control lines.
In Spain, major fires burned west of Madrid after strong winds caused separate blazes to expand and, in some places, merge. Another large fire affected Ávila province. The Spanish government declared a national wildfire emergency, allowing officials to coordinate personnel and equipment across regional boundaries and seek additional assistance from European partners.
Smoke from the Spanish fires spread into Madrid, leading officials to advise residents to limit outdoor activity. Emergency crews received some help when temperatures eased and humidity rose, but authorities said changing winds could quickly worsen conditions. Thousands of firefighters, emergency workers and military personnel were involved, supported by nearly 20 aircraft.
Spain reported one wildfire-related death during the emergency. Authorities said an older man was found dead in a vehicle after a smaller fire near Manises, outside Valencia. That blaze was extinguished Saturday and was separate from the larger fires burning west of Madrid. Officials had not announced deaths connected to the main French fires.
The blazes followed repeated heat waves and extended dry conditions across southern Europe. Vegetation and soil had become extremely dry, allowing flames to spread quickly when driven by strong winds. Officials in both countries described the fires as unusually intense and difficult to predict because changes in wind direction could create new threats within a short period.
French officials said more than 98,000 hectares had burned in the country during 2026. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said about 130,000 hectares had burned in Spain this year. The figures covered fires throughout the season, not only the current emergencies near Bordeaux and Madrid.
Scientists have found that hotter conditions and longer droughts can dry forests, grass and soil, increasing the risk that fires will spread rapidly and become harder to contain. Europe has warmed faster than the global average, and France and Spain have faced increasingly severe fire seasons along with prolonged periods of extreme heat.
Firefighters continued defending communities Sunday while officials monitored wind forecasts and assessed damaged areas. Evacuation orders remained in place across many locations, and authorities had not provided a broad timetable for residents and visitors to return. Additional orders remained possible if flames advanced toward Bordeaux, Madrid or nearby towns.
Author note: Last updated July 26, 2026.