France battles 'fire whirlwinds', Spain sees Madrid suburbs ablaze
Over the past week, wildfires have erupted in several European countries, primarily France and Spain, leading to the evacuation of more than 330,000 people in total. In France, fire has destroyed 42,000 hectares, making it one of the largest wildfires since World War II.
Situation in France
The worst situation in France is in the region south of Bordeaux, in the Gironde department. Some 55,000 people have been evacuated from six localities. Captain Nicolas Braz, one of the firefighting operation leaders, said the fire had created "its own winds – up to whirlwinds" and described its behavior as "unpredictable and unmanageable."
Dry vegetation and strong winds are helping the spread. A 60-kilometer stretch of the A63 motorway leading to Spain has been closed. Since the start of the year, about 98,000 hectares have burned in France.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said in an interview published Sunday in La Tribune that containing the fire "will take a long time." Until the fire is under control, evacuated residents and tourists cannot return. The military has been deployed to help firefighters clear vegetation and create firebreaks.
President Emmanuel Macron stated that France "will rebuild everything" and that the government will provide assistance "as long as needed."
Wildfires in Spain
Meanwhile, in Spain, wildfires continue to spread. Over 90,000 people have been evacuated from areas around Madrid and Avila. Late Saturday evening, authorities ordered the evacuation of at least eight municipalities near Toledo, though the number of affected residents is not yet known.
High temperatures and low humidity are expected Sunday, which could further fuel the fires. The head of the Madrid autonomous community, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, called it "the worst fire in the history of the region." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned of "difficult times ahead."
Meanwhile, Valencia authorities confirmed the death of a man in a wildfire.
