Wildfires ease in France and Spain as heat wave approaches

Wildfires that spread across France and Spain in recent days have begun to lose intensity, but emergency teams remain on alert as a new heat wave threatens to worsen fire risks across southern Europe. Thousands of hectares have been affected, with residents evacuated from several regions as firefighters continue containment efforts.

France maintains fire response efforts

In France's southwestern Gironde region, officials said the major wildfire has stabilized, although firefighters responded to several smaller flare-ups overnight. More than 2,000 firefighters remain involved in securing the affected areas and controlling remaining hotspots. Authorities reported that 126 firefighters have been injured since the outbreak began.

Other regions have also seen progress. A wildfire in the southeastern Var department was brought under control after burning nearly 4,800 hectares, while a blaze in Landes was contained after damaging around 3,600 hectares. Despite improvements, Gironde and Var remain among dozens of French departments under elevated wildfire warnings.

Heat warnings raise concerns

France's national weather service Meteo-France issued orange alerts for multiple departments as another period of high temperatures approaches. Officials warned that dry conditions and rising temperatures could create new challenges for firefighting operations, even as existing fires become more manageable.

Spain continues battling active fires

In Spain, the wildfire in Madrid's Sierra Oeste area remained stable overnight without new major flare-ups, according to local reports. However, firefighters continue working to contain active blazes in Madrid, Avila, Toledo, Castellon and Almeria as the country prepares for another heat wave.

Some residents were allowed to return home after evacuation orders were lifted, including people from 15 municipalities in Madrid and Avila. Authorities also permitted thousands of residents in Castellon and Toledo to return as conditions improved. The Vall d'Uixo fire in Castellon remains uncontrolled after burning about 10,000 hectares and forcing the evacuation of around 10,000 people.

Recovery continues amid restrictions

Although progress has been made in several affected areas, dozens of roads remain closed across Spanish regions including Avila, Castellon, Madrid, Toledo and Leon. Authorities in both France and Spain continue to monitor weather conditions closely, warning that renewed heat could complicate efforts to fully extinguish the remaining wildfires.