Wildfires rage near Bordeaux, forcing 300,000 to flee in France and Spain

Wildfires are advancing toward Bordeaux, a major French winemaking hub, as emergency crews battle blazes that have displaced around 300,000 people across France and Spain. French authorities reported that approximately 220,000 people have been evacuated in France, while over 75,000 have fled their homes in Spain, with another 30,000 instructed to shelter in place.

Firefighters in France are striving to keep flames from reaching Bordeaux after fires swept through the popular Atlantic coast tourist destination of Cap Ferret and surrounding areas. The main firefront was about 15 kilometers from the city's main entry points. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the situation as "unprecedented" and "not under control," emphasizing the proximity of the threat to the city, which has a metropolitan population of about 850,000.

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We have a fire that is not under control and which is moving in the direction of the city area. The overall situation is very unfavourable, we are in a situation that is unprecedented.

Authorities released footage of police conducting door-to-door evacuations in Marcheprime and Cestas. Meanwhile, Spain is confronting significant wildfires, particularly in Avila, where flames have consumed over 50,000 hectares, marking the country's largest wildfire in recent history. Another blaze in eastern Spain's Castellon province has burned over 4,300 hectares and spread into the Sierra de Espadan natural park.

"The fire is out of control, it's very difficult to extinguish from a technical standpoint, especially because of the adverse weather conditions that will continue throughout the day," said Valencian regional leader Juanfran Perez. International aid, including firefighting aircraft from Greece and Italy and military personnel from Portugal, is mobilizing to assist Spain under the European Union's civil protection mechanism.

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The fire is out of control, it's very difficult to extinguish from a technical standpoint, especially because of the adverse weather conditions that will continue throughout the day.