- More than a quarter of a million people were evacuated across France and Spain as wildfires approached Bordeaux, engulfing 35,000 hectares and reaching within 20 miles of the city.
- At least two firefighters died and over 40 were injured; one civilian died near Valencia, Spain.
- President Macron declared the nation united, pledging to “rebuild” and “repair”, and thanked several European countries for support.
- France set a record with 98,000 hectares of forest burned in 2026, exceeding the previous record of 66,300 hectares.
- Evacuee Lucy Morley described the scene as “apocalyptic”, saying the smell of smoke met them as they landed and that it was “like something out of a film”.
- Deputy fire chief Nathan, with 20 years of experience, said he had never seen anything like the fires, describing ash falling like snowflakes.
- Prefect Sophie Brocas called the situation “serious” and confirmed 140 houses were destroyed, the highest number in French history.
Wildfires in France and Spain have led to the evacuation of over 250,000 people as emergency services struggle against the worst blazes in the region's history.
The fires have engulfed 35,000 hectares near Bordeaux, with two firefighters dead and more than 40 injured.12
Sophie Brocas, prefect of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, stated, “We are in a situation that remains serious.” The French government has deployed 1,500 military personnel to assist in combating the fires and facilitating evacuations.
President Macron expressed solidarity, saying, “In these hours when the flames are severely testing our country, France reveals what it is: a united people, standing shoulder to shoulder.”
The wildfires have resulted in the destruction of 140 houses, marking the highest number in French history.1011
This year alone, a record 98,000 hectares of forest have burned in France, surpassing the previous record of 66,300 hectares for all of 2022.6
Witnesses describe the scene as “apocalyptic,” with ash falling like snowflakes and the sun appearing as a ghostly orange orb.
Organizers of the Tour de France cycling race have decided to cut short the final stage in a spirit of national solidarity.
“Over 250,000 people evacuated as fires engulfed 35,000 hectares within 20 miles of Bordeaux, destroying 140 houses — the highest number in French history. Two firefighters died, one civilian perished near Valencia, and France set a record 98,000 hectares burned in 2026.”
The Times
