Historic Wildfires Sweep Across France And Spain
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Thousands of firefighters across France and Spain are working to contain historic wildfires that have forced more than 300,000 people to evacuate. The blazes have been fueled by extreme heat, dry conditions, and powerful winds. They have burned hundreds of thousands of acres of forests and other vegetation across both nations.
The wildfires began around July 20, 2026, when major blazes erupted in Spain’s Ávila province and the Madrid region. The Ávila fire quickly grew to become the country's largest wildfire on record. As of July 29, it has burned more than 123,000 acres (50,000 hectares).
Around the same time, another massive blaze erupted near France’s Bordeaux region. This fire became so intense that its smoke column created a thunderstorm on July 24. This storm produced lightning that struck the ground miles away, causing brand-new fires.
As of July 29, firefighters have largely stopped the spread of both fires. However, they are still working to put them out completely. Officials also warn that the ongoing extreme heat and changing winds could start new fires.
The same hot, dry, and windy weather is now moving across the Mediterranean toward Greece and Italy. Emergency crews in both countries are already preparing for the risk of new fires.
Resources: CNN.com, NPR.com, Reuters.com
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10 Comments
ilovehenrydsaf13 daysthat is so sad! those two poor countries are dealing with wildfires. it is so sad!
winter_lover_123 days2 of my friend are from France but they live NZ- cymapefaniry4 daysOh my feel so sad for them
kytibocujogy5 daysthat's sad ( first comment)
emmaannalucy5 daysOMG
newsmp5 daysI hope they are okay. It must be really hard seeing your country experience this disaster.
dog886 daysI think the wildfires will be done soon.
detyzemogase7 daysThat's crazy! There have also been some crazy fires in Washington, but thankfully I didn't have to evacuate. Already over 60,000 people evacuated.😓
godismysavior8 daysso much fire!!! I feel so bad for them. first to comment.- dog888 daysHope everyone is okay.