Wildfire forces 40,000 tourists and residents to flee French peninsula

Tens of thousands were forced to flee their homes and holiday accommodations as wildfires swept across southwestern France, with the smell of smoke reaching parts of Spain's capital, Madrid. In France's Cap Ferret peninsula, some 40,000 people were evacuated due to a fire that has consumed more than 25,000 acres, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez. He described the blaze as "the largest fire of the season."

"As I speak, gradually, 40,000 people have either been evacuated or are currently being evacuated," Nunez stated, confirming no casualties had been reported so far. However, the fire has destroyed 80 homes, with approximately 50 completely lost. Residents described a hurried departure as firefighters battled the flames, which were reported to be just yards away from some homes.

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As I speak, gradually, 40,000 people have either been evacuated or are currently being evacuated.

This extreme weather event is occurring amidst a severe heatwave across southern Europe. In Spain, two separate wildfires burned out of control near Madrid, prompting the evacuation of over 10,000 people in the region and causing residents of the capital to wake up to the smell of smoke. Three firefighters have lost their lives due to the intense heat and fires. French health officials reported over 5,700 more deaths than usual in France last month, linked to record-breaking temperatures in June and early July.

France has requested assistance through the European Union's civil protection mechanism, with the EU pledging to send three water-bombing planes. The total land area burned across EU countries this year is the second-largest on record, according to satellite data. The French president warned the crisis remained "very intense" as firefighters, supported by water-bombing aircraft, worked to contain the blazes.

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The gendarmes came and knocked on every door, the fire was about 500 meters (yards) away, we grabbed some things and left.