France wildfires force 150,000 to evacuate amid heatwave

A relentless heatwave has triggered massive wildfires across southwestern France, forcing around 150,000 people to evacuate as flames swept through forests and threatened homes in one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

French authorities ordered the complete evacuation of Cap Ferret, a renowned coastal resort, after fast-moving fires engulfed nearly 47,000 acres of forest. Officials said more than 100 homes had been damaged as firefighters continued battling the blaze under extreme weather conditions.

The rapidly spreading fire has prompted an extensive emergency response, with President Emmanuel Macron directing the French military to assist firefighting teams in containing the flames and protecting nearby communities.

The crisis has also spread beyond France. In neighboring Spain, authorities declared the country’s first-ever national emergency over a wildfire near Madrid, highlighting the growing impact of the ongoing heatwave across southern Europe.

According to media reports, the Spanish wildfire has destroyed more than 43 homes, while approximately 19,000 residents living in mountainous areas west of Madrid were ordered to evacuate. More than 2,000 emergency personnel, supported by 10 firefighting aircraft, have been deployed to contain the flames.

Officials warned that soaring temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds have created ideal conditions for wildfires, making firefighting operations increasingly difficult.

The latest disaster comes only weeks after France experienced one of its deadliest heatwaves in recent years. According to the country’s national public health agency, 21,674 deaths were recorded between June 17 and July 2, compared with an expected 15,910 deaths under normal conditions.

The agency said the period saw 5,764 excess deaths—an increase of 36% above normal mortality levels—underscoring the severe health impact of prolonged extreme heat.

Climate experts have repeatedly warned that rising global temperatures are increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and wildfires across Europe. As emergency crews continue to battle the blazes in France and Spain, authorities remain on high alert, warning residents that worsening weather conditions could fuel further fires in the coming days.