While the evacuation response was prompt, the sheer scale of displacement—over 250,000 people—raises uncomfortable questions about what could have been done beforehand. Critics argue that both France and Spain have known for years that heatwaves and droughts would cause more severe wildfires, yet long-term preparation has fallen short. Forest management practices, such as clearing undergrowth and creating firebreaks, remain inadequate in many areas. Building regulations have not kept pace with the growing fire risk, leaving homes in rural zones vulnerable.
There are also concerns about water scarcity. In Spain, reservoirs were already low before the fires, hampering firefighting efforts. Critics point to a lack of investment in dedicated firefighting aircraft and ground crews, forcing reliance on army units that have other duties. The deployment of troops is a sign of how stretched civilian services have become.
Furthermore, some local officials say that warnings about the heatwave were not always heeded in time. Bans on agricultural burning and outdoor activities were issued only after the fires were spreading. For many evacuees, the loss is compounded by the knowledge that better preparation might have reduced the damage.
The disaster has sparked a debate about whether governments are doing enough to adapt to a warmer climate. As one analyst put it: 'We are running to catch up with a problem we saw coming. The next fire will be even bigger unless we change our approach.'