Wildfires in France’s Gironde region have intensified as the area prepares for another heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach 40C. The renewed heat is adding pressure to firefighting efforts and raising concern that dry conditions could allow flames to spread further.
French authorities have ordered the evacuation of a further 4,000 people, according to coverage cited alongside the report. Fires have already displaced large numbers of residents across southwest Europe, with reports describing the total as reaching hundreds of thousands.
The situation extends beyond Gironde. Spain has also faced major wildfires, including fires described as breaking through areas previously seen as relatively protected from the threat. Images and reports from both countries have highlighted the scale of the fires and the difficulty of containing them during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
President Emmanuel Macron has described the crisis as France’s worst fire emergency since the Second World War. Officials and emergency crews are continuing to work to contain the flames, while authorities monitor weather conditions and prepare for further evacuations if the fires worsen.
This overview was compiled with AI assistance based on wire coverage of this story — see the original report below.