France, Spain battle wildfires as heat wave fuels fresh risks

France and Spain continued to battle major wildfires on Thursday as extreme heat and shifting winds complicated firefighting efforts. Although several large fires were stabilized overnight, authorities warned that soaring temperatures and persistent hotspots continue to pose a significant threat across both countries.

France remains on high alert

French emergency services continued operations against active wildfires in Gironde, Var and Cote-d'Or, while 21 departments remained under orange heat wave alerts. In the Var department, four firefighters were injured before crews managed to bring the blaze under control overnight. One sustained a fracture, while three others were treated for smoke inhalation.

Officials warned that strong southwesterly winds expected later in the day could reignite flames. In Cote-d'Or, firefighters contained a wildfire that spread across 141 hectares, although the blaze had not yet been fully extinguished. Authorities also placed Moselle and Meurthe-et-Moselle under the highest wildfire alert due to exceptionally dangerous fire conditions.

Authorities intensify response

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said emergency services responded to 26 separate fires on Wednesday alone and reported that more than 14,000 wildfires have burned approximately 117,000 hectares since the start of the fire season.

Nunez said four firefighters have lost their lives during this year's operations, while injuries among emergency personnel have surpassed 230. Authorities have also arrested 275 suspects linked to wildfire incidents since the beginning of the season, with 31 remaining in custody. In Gironde, two additional suspects were detained overnight over allegations of deliberately starting a fire.

Spain continues containment efforts

In neighboring Spain, firefighters made progress against a major wildfire in Zamora province after stabilizing two critical fire fronts overnight. However, several hotspots remain active after flames scorched around 11,000 hectares and forced the evacuation of 14 towns.

Emergency services also continued monitoring stabilized wildfires in Avila, Madrid and Toledo to prevent new flare-ups, while active fires persisted in Castellon and Tarragona. Despite improving conditions in some areas, authorities warned that another heat wave could increase wildfire risks in the coming days. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez later announced that the national emergency in Avila and Madrid had ended, with the situation downgraded to operational level two.