Massive wildfires in France and Spain have killed several people and forced about 330,000 people to evacuate, with an estimated 400,000 acres burned in Spain and 300,000 in France. Firefighters have contained some major blazes, but rising temperatures and ongoing heat waves mean the threat remains. The EU warns wildfire risk may spread to Greece, Italy and Central Europe. Trusted organisations — including the Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Secours Populaire Français and Sud Ouest Solidarité — are providing emergency aid and accepting donations for both immediate relief and long-term recovery.
How To Help Victims Of Europe’s Devastating Wildfires
How to Help the Victims of Europe’s Deadly Wildfires
Massive wildfires have scorched large areas of France and Spain, killing several people and forcing roughly 330,000 residents and holidaymakers to evacuate. Officials estimate about 400,000 acres have burned across Spain this year and roughly 300,000 acres in France amid intense heat waves sweeping parts of Europe.
Firefighters had contained some of the largest blazes by Wednesday morning, but authorities warned the threat was not over: temperatures were forecast to climb again, and evacuations and firefighting operations continued in multiple regions.
European Warning
“The next risk, it's already moving to Greece and also Central Europe,” Maria Zuber, head of the European Union Emergency Response Coordination Centre, told reporters. “Greece for the moment was spared, and now we see that it will go to Greece. Italy will face risk at the beginning of August, and we will need to see what will happen with the Iberian Peninsula, because if [it is] there as well, we will have all Europe on fire.”
How You Can Help
Several trusted international and local organisations are providing emergency shelter, food, water, medical care and other essential support. If you want to help, consider donating or volunteering with recognised relief groups working on the ground rather than giving to unknown intermediaries.
Major Relief Organisations
Red Cross / Red Crescent: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has activated relief operations in both Spain and France. National societies — Cruz Roja Española and Croix-Rouge française — are delivering shelter, meals, water and medical assistance to thousands of displaced people and are accepting donations to support their response.
World Central Kitchen: The humanitarian food organisation founded by chef José Andrés is preparing and distributing meals to evacuees and emergency crews in affected areas of Spain and France, including operations reported in Ávila and Bordeaux.
Secours Populaire Français: This long-standing French charity is appealing for volunteers and donations to assist families in Gironde, Landes and other hard-hit communities. The organisation warns the crisis will require both immediate relief and sustained support for recovery and rebuilding.
Sud Ouest Solidarité: The fundraising arm of a major regional French newspaper has launched a campaign to support affected residents and firefighters; the organisation reported nearly €500,000 raised in early donations.
Practical Tips for Donating or Volunteering
- Donate directly via the verified websites of national Red Cross societies, World Central Kitchen, Secours Populaire Français, or recognised local relief organisations.
- Verify charities on official registries and watch for scams after major disasters.
- If you plan to volunteer in person, coordinate with local authorities or established aid groups — spontaneous arrivals can strain resources and hamper professional responders.
- Consider supporting both immediate needs (food, shelter, medical care) and long-term recovery (rebuilding homes, supporting local businesses, mental health services).
Contributions of time, money, and verified supplies can make a major difference. For the latest updates and ways to help, follow official national Red Cross pages, World Central Kitchen, and local authorities in affected regions.
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