NewsKPBS Public MediaJuly 29, 2026San Diego
Wildfires in France and Spain: Status and Evacuations
Large-scale wildfires in France and Spain have forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate as extreme heat and dry conditions persist. While some fires are being contained, authorities warn that ongoing heatwaves continue to create dangerous conditions for new and existing blazes.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
Residents in affected regions of France and Spain face ongoing displacement, property risk, and emergency service disruptions due to extreme weather conditions and active wildfires.
Key Facts
- More than 200,000 people were evacuated in France at the height of the crisis.
- Nearly 100,000 people were evacuated in Spain.
- Approximately 100,000 acres of land have burned in southwestern France.
- Nearly 25,000 acres have burned in the Castellón region of Spain.
- There are currently 10 active wildfires in Spain.
- Around 5,000 people are currently battling flames in France.
- Two firefighters have died battling a wildfire on the island of Crete, Greece.
- The European Union has deployed firefighting aircraft and helicopters to assist French efforts.
- France is currently experiencing its fourth heatwave of the summer.
- Extreme heat and fire conditions in Spain are expected to continue through Sunday.
- Fire scientists report the formation of pyrocumulus clouds, which can reach 6 miles high and intensify fire behavior.
Who's Mentioned
organizationEuropean Union“Provided firefighting aircraft and helicopters to assist France.”personJean-Baptiste Filippi“Scientist with the French National Center for Scientific Research.”locationFrance“Country experiencing major wildfires and evacuations.”locationSpain“Country experiencing major wildfires and evacuations.”personMounia Mostefaoui“Climatologist and board member of a French scientific expert group.”personPedro Sánchez“Spanish Prime Minister who visited emergency command facilities.”