Spain’s government declared a national emergency on Friday as wildfires forced the evacuation of approximately 10,000 residents in the central region around Madrid. Meanwhile, in southern France, tens of thousands fled their homes to escape two major blazes.
The national emergency in Spain signifies that the interior ministry, responsible for police and security forces, is overseeing the firefighting efforts. Spain’s regions, overwhelmed by multiple fires intensified by a heatwave, are receiving this crucial support. The regional government of Madrid reported that 10,000 people had to evacuate various villages as blazes raged unchecked late on Thursday.
This year, Spain has already witnessed around 500 square miles being consumed by fire. This figure is over four times the area burned through the first half of 2025. Among the fires, Spain’s second-largest blaze, which recently scorched 120 square miles in the province of Guadalajara north of Madrid, stands out. Tragically, 13 individuals lost their lives in a fire in southern Spain earlier in the month, marking it as Spain’s deadliest fire in recent memory.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged for a political agreement to combat climate change, emphasizing its importance for adapting to a climate that may bring more frequent fires.
In southern France, authorities ordered additional mass evacuations on the Atlantic coast due to large wildfires. An estimated 40,000 people have fled their homes over the past two days. The blaze near the tourist area of Cap Ferret peninsula has destroyed over 34 square miles since it started on Wednesday, with some evacuations necessitating boat transportation.
France has sought assistance through the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism. President Emmanuel Macron announced forthcoming reinforcements, including firefighting aircraft and helicopters from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
This summer, southern Europe has experienced numerous significant fires. It is the fastest-warming continent, with the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service noting temperatures rising at twice the global average since the 1980s.
Global data from 2025 indicates it was the third-hottest year on record, which brought severe heat waves across Europe. Scientists caution that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heat and dryness, particularly in southeastern Europe, making the region increasingly susceptible to health impacts and wildfires.
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