France and Spain Race to Contain Record Wildfires Before a New Heat Wave

A dire situation is unfolding across Spain and France as fire crews race to control a slew of massive wildfires before the next heatwave develops across western Europe. Read on for all of the details of the devastation.

Record-Breaking Fires Burn Out of Control in Spain and France

Officials in France and Spain are working feverishly to bring historic wildfires under control before extreme heat settles in again. Fires in both neighboring nations have already displaced thousands of residents.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the crisis when he visited a coordination center in the southwestern corner of the country on Monday. When talking about the worst fire emergency for France since World War II, Macron acknowledged that "the weeks ahead will be hard. We must hold firm."

The largest French wildfire has burned an area four times the size of the capital city of Paris. At least 220,000 people have had to evacuate since the unpredictable fire began. Crews gained a major win on Monday when they held the line before the flames reached the city of Bordeaux.

Over in Spain, at least 100,000 people have been forced to leave their homes as several fires burn uncontained. Three large fires burning in the mountains northwest of Madrid have sent smoke billowing into the country's largest city. A fire burning in the province of Avila is now distinguished as the largest fire in recent Spanish history.

The popular Pantano del Burguillo camping ground west of Madrid was extensively damaged by a fire last week as crews scrambled to evacuate dozens of people from the camp. The area east of Spain's Castilla y Leon region has also been severely impacted by the fires. Some evacuated residents were able to return home on Monday, only to find crops and trees destroyed by the fire as smoke and ash lingered in the sky.

Known as sixth-generation fires, these blazes are considered to be the most extreme form of wildfire activity. Fires of this magnitude are capable of producing their own micro weather systems, burning through thousands of hectares every hour. Scientists blame the increase of these extreme wildfires around the world on climate change caused by humans.

Western Europe Bracing for Brewing Heat Wave

Compounding the concern is that a heat wave is headed for western Europe by the end of the week. Temperatures are forecast to soar over the century mark for much of Spain and France heading into the weekend.

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska warned that Wednesday will be a critical day for getting the fires under control before the mercury begins its upward trajectory. France is in a similar boat, with temperatures forecast to reach 100 degrees in areas such as Bordeaux.

It has already been a toasty month for both Bordeaux in France and Avila in Spain. According to the Reuters Climate Monitor, temperatures have averaged nearly 6 degrees above July's normal highs in these regions.

The international community is stepping up to help France and Spain in the fight. Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Portugal are deploying aircraft and crews to Spain, while Switzerland has sent two Super Puma helicopters to France at the request of Macron.

In addition to the obvious impacts to the displaced residents, the fires are also negatively impacting the tourism industry during the busiest time of the year. This is particularly true in the popular wine-producing region of Bordeaux.

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