Wildfires in Spain and France force nearly three lakh to evacuate

Times of India Published Jul 27, 2026 Reviewed Jul 27, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

Wildfires in France and Spain forced nearly 300,000 people to evacuate, with approximately 220,000 evacuated in France and over 75,000 in Spain, according to France 24.

about 220000 people · evacuees in Francemore than 75000 people · evacuees in Spain

The main fire front in France was nearly 15 kilometres from the periphery of Bordeaux, whose greater metropolitan area houses approximately 850,000 people, according to Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave.

about 15 kilometres · distance of main fire front from Bordeaux city peripheryabout 850000 people · population of Bordeaux greater metropolitan area

The largest wildfire in Spain's recent history, located in Avila province, destroyed more than 50,000 hectares of land, according to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

more than 50000 hectares · land destroyed by wildfire in Avila province

Flames in eastern Spain's Castellon province burned 4,300 hectares and spread into the Sierra de Espadan natural park, according to France 24.

4300 hectares · land burned by wildfire in Castellon province

Since January, wildfires have destroyed more than 150,000 hectares across Spain, reportedly six times higher than last year, according to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

more than 150000 hectares · land destroyed by wildfires in Spain since January6 · increase in wildfire-affected area compared to last year

Portugal deployed over 100 specially equipped military personnel to assist Spain under the EU’s civil protection mechanism, according to the article.

more than 100 personnel · specially equipped military personnel deployed by Portugal2 aircraft · Canadair firefighting aircraft dispatched by Greece2 aircraft · Canadair firefighting aircraft dispatched by Italy

Wildfires across France and Spain forced nearly three lakh people to flee their homes, as firefighters struggled to control flames heading towards the French city of Bordeaux on Sunday.France 24 reported that roughly 2,20,000 people have been evacuated across France, and over 75 thousand in Spain."We have a fire that is not under control and which is moving in the direction of the city area", said French interior minister Laurent Nunez on Sunday."The overall situation is very unfavourable; we are in a situation that is unprecedented", he added.According to Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave, the main fire front is nearly 15 kilometres from the city's periphery, whose greater metropolitan area houses a population of approximately 8,50,000.Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Avila province, where the largest wildfire in Spain's recent history has destroyed more than 50,000 hectares of land.Additionally, France 24 reported flames blazing 4,300 hectares in eastern Spain's Castellon province, spreading into the Sierra de Espadan natural park.PM Sanchez revealed that since January, wildfires have destroyed more than 150,000 hectares across Spain.

Reportedly six times higher compared to last year.European Union members have stepped in to help Spain under the EU’s civil protection mechanism. Portugal has deployed over 100 specially equipped military personnel, while Greece and Italy have dispatched two Canadair firefighting aircraft each.The Spanish PM, on the other hand, has announced to declare a civil protection emergency on Tuesday for the impacted central provinces, releasing recovery funds to assist affected communities.Catch the latest World News and Live updates.

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