Wildfires in southwestern France have forced immediate evacuations for suburbs around Bordeaux after an "unprecedented" blaze burned about 32,700 hectares in Gironde and displaced roughly 167,000 people. Two firefighters were killed in Mérignac. France reports about 98,000 hectares burned nationwide and has requested EU assistance; several countries are sending aircraft and helicopters. In Spain, a national emergency has been declared as fires around Madrid and Ávila have led to more than 60,000 evacuations.
Wildfires Near Bordeaux Trigger Mass Evacuations As Record Blazes Sweep France and Spain
Evacuations ordered in Bordeaux suburbs as wildfires continue to ravage southern Europe
French authorities have ordered immediate evacuations for three Bordeaux suburbs — Le Haillan, Eysines and Mérignac — as wildfires that began in Gironde edge toward the metropolitan area. Residents were directed to leave along planned evacuation routes while authorities opened the Parc des Expositions exhibition centre to accommodate those displaced.
Situation In Gironde
Officials described an "unprecedented" blaze that has burned through about 32,700 hectares in the Gironde department this week. Authorities say roughly 167,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas. The fire began near Saumos, moved toward the coastal zones of Le Porge and Lège Cap-Ferret and has since spread eastward, sending smoke over parts of Bordeaux and the Arcachon Basin.
On Saturday local officials reported that falling temperatures and rising humidity were reducing the fire's intensity, allowing crews to transition from defensive operations to more proactive containment efforts.
Response, Aid And Firefighting Efforts
France has reported that about 98,000 hectares have burned nationwide so far, a figure Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called a "historic record." Two firefighters were killed while battling flames in Mérignac; President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute on social media, saying:
People watch massive plumes of smoke caused by wildfires in Le Porge, western France, Thursday, July 23, 2026. - Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
"I extend the nation's condolences, gratitude and support to their families, their loved ones and the firefighters of France."
France requested help through the European Union's civil protection mechanism. The EU announced deployment of planes and helicopters from Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and Sweden has confirmed it will send firefighting aircraft as part of the coordinated response.
Spain: National Emergency Declared
Across the border, large wildfires continue to burn in the Madrid region and the province of Ávila. The Spanish government has declared a national emergency for the affected areas, with authorities reporting more than 60,000 people evacuated. Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, described the blaze as "the worst" in local history. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the priority is "to safeguard lives, protect communities and fight the fires," while all levels of government coordinate relief and recovery support.
Spain's Civil Guard has mobilised 650 officers, 60 vehicles and two helicopters to assist with evacuations and emergency operations.
Broader European Impact
According to European Union figures, 1,254 fires have burned about 254,388 hectares across Europe since the start of the year, underlining the scale of this summer's wildfire season.
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