- French President Emmanuel Macron called a crisis meeting Monday to coordinate efforts to fight the wildfires in southern France that have forced the evacuation of more than 250,000 people.
- The active fire in the Gironde region of southwest France slowed down overnight into Monday, offering a first sign of relief after the flames burned more than 100,000 acres.
- In Spain, two major fires were brought under control after a difficult day on Saturday when authorities had openly said the two large fires were uncontained.
- In southern France, a wildfire in the region of Gironde is still active, while two major fires in central Spain are finally coming under control, ahead of the fourth heat wave of the summer.
- This summer is on track to be the hottest on record in Spain, according to Aemet.
- More than 242,000 acres have been burned in France this year — a historic record, French interior minister Laurent Nuñez said Saturday.
- Fires have burned over 300,000 acres already this year in Spain, up from an annual average of 250,000 acres over the past decade, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Saturday.
French President Emmanuel Macron convened a crisis meeting as wildfires in southern France have burned over 242,000 acres this year, a historic record. The Gironde region saw over 220,000 residents evacuated, with the fire slowing down overnight, providing a glimmer of hope.1246
In Spain, wildfires have consumed over 300,000 acres, surpassing the annual average of 250,000 acres over the past decade. A fire in the Madrid region has burned more than 60,000 acres, while another in Castellón has impacted around 75,000 people. Authorities reported that two major fires were brought under control after a challenging weekend.37
Macron pledged long-term support for affected communities, stating, “We will rebuild, we will repair and we will be present for as long as necessary.” The summer is projected to be the hottest on record in Spain, according to Aemet, exacerbating the wildfire crisis.5
As both nations grapple with these devastating fires, the need for coordinated efforts and support for affected communities remains critical.
“In France, wildfires have burned over 242,000 acres this year, marking a historic record, according to French interior minister Laurent Nuñez. Meanwhile, Spain's wildfires have affected over 300,000 acres, surpassing the annual average of 250,000 acres over the past decade, as reported by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.”
NPR
