BORDEAUX/MADRID — Wildfires are closing in on the historic city of Bordeaux, located in France’s renowned wine region. The fires in France and Spain have necessitated the evacuation of hundreds of thousands.
In France, the fires have prompted the evacuation of about 220,000 people. In Spain, over 75,000 have left their homes, with around 30,000 ordered to stay in place, as local authorities confirm.
The Cap Ferret peninsula, noted for its tourist appeal, has been engulfed by flames. The fires are spreading near Bordeaux as firefighters work to stop them from reaching the city. Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave noted on Sunday that the fires are about 15 kilometers from the main city entry points. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed on social media that the situation remains challenging.
Evacuees have found temporary shelter at the Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux. The image captured by Alain Jocard from AFP shows the situation in parts of the Bordeaux region.
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited fire-stricken areas in Avila. Avila, along with Madrid and Toledo, are experiencing significant fires that have burned over 45,000 hectares. Sánchez emphasized the importance of acting swiftly to control the wildfire and protect lives and communities.
Spain Battles Multiple Blazes
A fire in Spain’s eastern Castellon province has devastated over 4,300 hectares. Regional authority Juanfran Perez highlighted the fire’s complexity, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions.
The wildfire has invaded the protected Sierra de Espadan park, home to extensive pine and cork oak forests.
These fires are consequences of extended drought and successive heatwaves, both impacted by climate change. Temperatures in both Bordeaux and Avila have surpassed typical July highs by nearly 6 degrees Celsius from historical averages, based on the Reuters Climate Monitor.
International Aid Mobilized
Under the European Union’s civil protection framework, Greece and Italy have dispatched two Canadair firefighting aircraft each to aid Spain. Portugal has contributed over 100 military personnel with essential equipment. Spain’s interior ministry announced that two more planes, provided by Turkey, are expected soon.
The Spanish government will declare a civil protection emergency for the affected provinces, Prime Minister Sánchez stated, unlocking additional funds. More than 150,000 hectares have burned in Spain since January, a sixfold increase from the previous year.
While wildfires are common in Spain’s summers, their current size and intensity signal the need for climate-focused policies, Sánchez stated.
In Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, approximately 500 firefighters have been combating a significant fire since July 15. Residents of Nethy Bridge, evacuated due to shifting weather, have now returned home.
Pope Leo, from his residence at Castel Gandolfo, expressed spiritual support, urging prayers for those affected and for the rescue teams involved in relief efforts.
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