Fires rage in Spain and France, claiming lives and burning vast areas

Fires are engulfing parts of Spain and France, pushing firefighting forces to their limits. The risk of new blazes remains extremely high across much of Spain, though the situation has improved slightly in the Guadalajara province where a major fire continues to burn.

In France, the situation turned tragic as two firefighters lost their lives when their vehicle became trapped in flames in the southern Gironde region. Authorities are urging the public to avoid outdoor cooking, noting that human activity, accidental or otherwise, causes nine out of ten forest fires.

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nine out of ten forest fires are caused, accidentally or not, by human activity.

Europe is experiencing the fastest warming on the planet. Scientists warn that human-caused climate change intensifies heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, while also creating conditions for sudden, destructive storms. The continent has already endured three consecutive heatwaves this year, linked to thousands of excess deaths in May and June.

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it is the annual average that Spain has experienced in the last decade, underscoring the need for more prevention efforts.

Spain's worst wildfire has scorched approximately 320,000 acres in the Guadalajara region, prompting evacuations and restrictions. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that 22 major wildfires have erupted this year, burning over 1 million acres nationwide, a figure matching the annual average of the past decade. He stressed the need for increased prevention efforts.

Meanwhile, in France's southeastern Var region, cooler temperatures and weaker winds have aided firefighting efforts. This fire has already burned 25,000 acres, destroying dozens of homes and forcing around 400 people to evacuate.

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extreme caution