Massive Wildfires Devastate Spain and France, Prompting Evacuations
In July 2026, Spain and France experienced some of the largest wildfires in decades, leading to widespread evacuations and destruction. In Spain, a fire in Ávila charred approximately 50,000 hectares, surpassing previous records. The fire merged with others, expanding to 77,000 hectares, an area comparable to New York City. In France, fires in the Gironde Department burned over 42,000 hectares, affecting the village of Le Porge. Environmental conditions, including wet winters followed by heat waves and drought, contributed to the fires' intensity. Strong winds further exacerbated the situation, leading to the formation of pyrocumulonimbus clouds. 
