Spain Declares National Emergency as Wildfires Rage Near Madrid

Spain's government declared a national emergency after wildfires burned out of control west of Madrid and in the neighbouring province of Ávila. Regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso described the situation as the worst fire in the history of the region.

Firefighters struggled to contain multiple fronts amid high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. Authorities evacuated more than 25,000 people from several municipalities. Some fires merged, prompting defensive measures as containment efforts exceeded local capacity.

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska noted that nearly 60,000 people were affected, including those under lockdown orders. The national emergency allows faster mobilisation of federal resources and the military emergencies unit.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the situation dramatic and urged caution. Blazes have burned thousands of hectares in the Madrid and Ávila areas in recent days.

In France, authorities ordered the full evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula west of Bordeaux. Hundreds of residents and tourists left by boat as an "XXL fire" spread through the Gironde region. Total evacuations in southwest France reached around 140,000 when including the neighbouring Landes area.

The Gironde fire consumed over 10,000 hectares. Officials reported dozens of homes destroyed but said firefighters saved many more. Two firefighters died earlier in the week near Bordeaux while tackling a separate blaze. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the fires as unprecedented, with around 50 firefighters injured in one day.

Europe's third heatwave of the summer worsened conditions. The continent warms faster than the global average, drying out vegetation and raising fire risk. Experts link the intensity to climate change combined with landscape management factors.

In Spain, scattered showers offered limited hope near Madrid over the weekend, though strong winds continued to challenge efforts. Forecasts suggested temperatures could rise again next week.

French authorities received support from European Union water-bombing planes and helicopters. Similar assistance went to Spain.

Holidaymakers and residents shared accounts of chaos during evacuations. Smoke filled the air, ash fell from the sky, and some left pets or belongings behind. One British family described driving slowly past emergency vehicles with fires visible in the distance.

The fires highlight ongoing challenges for southern Europe during summer months. Both countries have seen major blazes in previous years, but current events rank among the most severe.

Officials continue to prioritise saving lives and containing spread. Residents in affected zones must follow emergency alerts and instructions from authorities.