A fourth heatwave is intensifying wildfire risk across southwestern France and large parts of Spain, forcing thousands to flee and straining firefighting resources.

Lanton, France / El Tiemblo, Spain, July 29 – the fourth heatwave of this summer is intensifying the threat of wildfires in France and Spain, causing mass evacuations, destruction of forested areas, and anxiety among local residents.

Fires Amid the Heatwave in France and Spain

France is bracing for a new peak in temperatures in the southwestern regions, where the heat could rise to around 42°C. At the same time, dry winds from the southwest in the morning and from the west during the day intensify the risk of ignition.

In Spain, the AEMET agency reports that on Wednesday temperatures could reach 40°C in at least six regions, increasing wildfire risks nationwide.

Firefighters in France continue to keep the hotspot near Bordeaux under control, though they warn that the situation is far from over.

“The situation is stable for now, but the fire is still not under control,” Fire Department commander Matthieu Jomain told reporters. “We, of course, remain vigilant today, given the weather forecast, with rising temperatures and higher wind speeds by day.”

– Matthieu Jomain

Deer Killed by Wildfire in Spain’s El Tiemblo Forest

Europe, the fastest-warming continent, is facing record heat waves again; climate change heightens heat and drought, enabling fires to spread more quickly.

Aerial and ground footage from El Tiemblo in Ávila province showed destroyed sections of forest and charred bodies of wild animals, including deer, that fell victim to the fire.

“We love this place, wild nature lives here. We used to bring food to the animals because they belong to this land. Look at what has become of it today.”

– Cintia

Residents Strive to Protect Their Homes

The fire in the Landes region near Bordeaux caused significant damage to forests, mostly pines, and became a test for the local civil defense. About 220,000 people were evacuated, including vacationers and locals; the threat reached the southern coast of Cap Ferret, accessible by only one road. Many businesses outside Bordeaux temporarily halted activities to avoid risks as the flames approached the city within about 15 km.

In Lanton, volunteers with buckets are trying to help residents protect their homes and property. Local pastry chef Jonathan Segalas-Talous, 29, said it’s hard, but they are doing everything they can with the resources available.

“It’s really hard, very hard, because resources are scarce. We’re trying to help people by any means with what we have,”

– Jonathan Segalas-Talous

From Thursday, a reduction in the threat level is expected in southwestern France thanks to thunderstorms, lower temperatures and higher humidity, according to Météo-France.

Fire in Castellón: Fifth Day

In Spain, the situation improved in the central provinces of Ávila and Madrid, but the fire in the eastern region of Castellón remained uncontrolled after more than 10,000 hectares of forest were destroyed. In Castellón, about 10,000 people were evacuated, and they could not yet return home. The perimeter of the fire is estimated at approximately 75.5 km.

Madrid’s fire services report that the fire in the capital region did not spread overnight. Firefighters are trying to keep the blaze at the margins and extinguish remaining hotspots to prevent reignition.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said that evacuation efforts in 15 towns in Madrid and Ávila continue to return residents to their homes.

Conclusion

Extreme weather continues to raise the risk of new ignitions in the coming days, but meteorologists expect partial relief from the heat thanks to thunderstorms and higher humidity. The authorities of both countries continue coordinating evacuations, life-saving efforts, and firefighting to minimize damage and protect the population.