Climate
Wildfires in France and Spain: Over 250,000 Evacuated, Spain Declares Historic National Emergency
Since July 23, 2026, wildfires have been ravaging southwestern France and Spain, forcing over 250,000 people to flee both countries. In France, 197,000 people have been evacuated, including tens of thousands from Bordeaux. Spain has declared a national state of emergency for wildfires—a first in the country's history. No deaths have been reported as of July 25, though dozens of French firefighters have been injured. Madrid has also triggered an air quality alert due to the orange haze generated by the flames.