Wildfires in France and Spain Force Mass Evacuations Amidst Record Heat
Wildfires in France and Spain have forced over 267,000 people to evacuate as the fires continue to rage uncontrollably. The fires have been exacerbated by record heat waves, with thick smoke affecting air quality in major cities like Madrid. In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared a national emergency, emphasizing the priority of saving lives. The fires have already burned 130,000 hectares in Spain, surpassing the annual average. In France, nearly 242,000 acres have been destroyed, marking a historic record. The fires have prompted international assistance, with firefighting aircraft being deployed from other European countries.