Thousands return home as France and Spain lift evacuation orders amid ongoing wildfires

Authorities in France and Spain are lifting evacuation orders, allowing thousands of residents to return to their homes after devastating wildfires swept through several regions. However, the fires remain active, and the situation is described as critical.

In Spain, evacuation orders for approximately 20,000 people in the Madrid region have been rescinded, with residents in 13 municipalities across Madrid, Castile, and León now permitted to go back. Similar returns are being allowed in parts of Ávila and Toledo, where a smaller fire was contained, and thousands more in Castellón can also go home. The Spanish government has called these the most severe wildfires in recent history.

Despite significant efforts by emergency services, Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated that firefighting operations are in a "critical phase." The work to fully extinguish the blazes could potentially last for weeks.

In southwestern France, around 15,000 people in the Landes department are also returning home following advancements in fire containment. While the fire's spread has been halted, it is not yet out. Authorities are closely monitoring the area for remaining embers, which could reignite due to wind and persistent drought conditions. These monitoring and extinguishing efforts are expected to continue for days, possibly weeks.

Reports indicate that some tourists in southwestern France initially persisted with their travel plans despite warnings and visible fires, with one family reportedly deciding to proceed with a €4,000 vacation to avoid financial loss.

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The firefighting operations are in a critical phase.