French and Spanish Authorities Evacuate Thousands Amid Worsening Wildfires
French and Spanish authorities have initiated large-scale evacuations as wildfires continue to spread across both countries. In France, the Cap Ferret peninsula on the southwest coast has been entirely evacuated, with tens of thousands of people leaving the area, many by boat. The fires, described as 'XXL' by local officials, have consumed approximately 10,000 hectares in the Gironde region. Meanwhile, in Spain, a national emergency has been declared as wildfires near Madrid have forced the evacuation of over 19,000 people. The fires in Spain are described as the worst in the region's history, exacerbated by high temperatures and strong winds. Both countries are receiving assistance from the European Union, which has dispatched aircraft to aid in firefighting efforts.