Fierce wildfires force 80,000 evacuations in Spain and France

Spain declared a national emergency on Friday as a fierce wildfire raged near the capital, Madrid, forcing the evacuation of at least 19,000 residents. The blaze, described as the region's worst-ever fire, has already consumed 6,000 hectares. The regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, called it a catastrophe for the densely populated area.

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For a region like this, with a high concentration of housing and population, it is a catastrophe. We had never experienced this.

Simultaneously, southern France is battling two large wildfires, prompting mass evacuations along the Atlantic coast. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that 40,000 people were evacuated from the Gironde department and another 23,000 from the Landes department.

Both Spain and France have requested assistance from other European Union members. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed solidarity with those affected, while Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed that Italy and Greece are each sending two Canadair water-bombing aircraft. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Croatia would provide two Canadair planes, Portugal two Air Tractor aircraft, and the Czech Republic and Slovakia two large-capacity Black Hawk helicopters.

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We are experiencing a dramatic situation, not only in various Spanish provinces but also in regions of neighboring countries.

Southern Europe is grappling with multiple large-scale fires this summer. The continent is warming at twice the global average, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and droughts, making the region highly susceptible to wildfires.

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We will soon have reinforcements, including two Croatian Canadair water-dropping planes, two Portuguese Air Tractor aircraft, and two large-capacity Black Hawk helicopters from the Czech Republic and Slovakia.