The wildfires that hit France and Spain are showing signs of slowing, but the toll remains heavy and the danger has not passed. More than 300,000 people have been forced to leave their homes and tourist areas, while authorities in both countries warn that extreme heat could reactivate the fire zones.
France: fire near Bordeaux under control, but not extinguished
In France, the major fire near Bordeaux has been brought under control after a week of operations, but it is still not considered fully extinguished.
The flames have burned around 42,000 hectares of forest and forced 220,000 residents and tourists to evacuate. Several tens of thousands of people have been allowed to return home, while the rest remain affected by emergency measures.
High temperatures keep the risk of a flare-up alive
According to authorities, temperatures reaching as high as 42C and dry winds could reactivate the fire even though the main front has been contained.
France has also mobilized European assistance, while the area burned this year has exceeded 116,000 hectares, a clear indication that the wildfire season has taken on unusual proportions.
Spain: fire zones remain active in several areas
In Spain, the wildfires in Ávila, Madrid and Toledo remain active, although the situation appears improved compared with previous days.
Tens of thousands of residents have returned to 15 municipalities, but the main fire zone has burned more than 77,000 hectares. Nationwide, the area affected by wildfires this year has exceeded 170,000 hectares.
Death toll and fears over a new heatwave
Spain’s seasonal toll has reached at least 14 deaths, most of them linked to the devastating fire in Almeria.
Forecasts for a new heatwave are expected to keep the risk at extreme levels, meaning the improvement in the situation remains fragile and far from a full return to normal.
Although some areas have started to reopen and some residents are returning, the figures for burned land, evacuations and deaths show that the wildfire crisis in southwestern Europe remains far from over.
For now, any respite depends not only on operations on the ground, but also on the weather, which remains the most unpredictable and dangerous factor.