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Wildfires Force Evacuations of Over 250,000 in France and Spain

Published July 25, 2026 at 8:02 PM UTC

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More than a quarter million people have been evacuated this week as massive wildfires rage across parts of France and Spain, fueled by extreme heat and drought. Spain declared a national emergency on Tuesday, and both countries have mobilized thousands of firefighters. The blazes have destroyed homes, forests, and farmland, and authorities warn that conditions could worsen. The fires come during a prolonged heatwave that has broken temperature records across southern Europe. Meteorologists say dry vegetation and strong winds are making containment efforts difficult. Evacuation centers have been set up in schools and sports halls, with officials urging residents to follow safety orders. The economic impact is already significant, with agriculture and tourism sectors affected. Air quality has deteriorated, leading to health warnings in several regions. Climate experts note that wildfires in the Mediterranean are becoming more frequent and intense due to rising temperatures and drought. Both the French and Spanish governments have requested assistance from European Union emergency reserves. Firefighters are focusing on protecting populated areas and critical infrastructure. The weather forecast offers little relief, with no significant rain expected in the coming days.