Wildfires in France and Spain: Over 250,000 Evacuated, Spain Declares Historic National Emergency

Herz — Climate Desk · 27 July 2026 at 09:19 · 30s summary · 3 min read

What We Know

Wildfires have been ravaging southwestern France and Spain since July 23, 2026. By July 25, over 250,000 people had been forced to flee both countries combined.

In France, 197,000 people have been evacuated, including tens of thousands from Bordeaux and its western suburbs. On July 24, Cap Ferret was fully evacuated, affecting over 40,000 residents.

probably the largest [evacuation] in peacetime France has ever seen

— Laurent Nuñez, French Interior Minister

No deaths have been reported in either country as of July 25. However, dozens of French firefighters have been injured.

Spain's Situation

Spain has declared a national state of emergency to address the forest fires—a first in the country's history. A national state of emergency is a government measure that can restrict certain fundamental freedoms in the event of imminent peril.

In the Sierra Oeste de Madrid and Ávila province, the flames have burned over 25,000 hectares. Approximately 80,000 people have been evacuated or confined in these areas.

On July 25, Madrid's municipal authorities triggered an air quality alert: an orange haze and persistent burning smell lingered over the city. At noon, 12 of 14 air quality monitoring stations showed 'fair' or 'poor' readings.

Spain's Health Minister Mónica García urged Madrid residents to remain at home. If going outside was unavoidable, she called for people to wear FFP2 masks.

The Numbers