In brief
France’s Cap Ferret peninsula has been ordered fully evacuated after a blaze that has scorched more than 8,700 hectares spread through the Gironde region. Hundreds of holidaymakers were ferried off the coast, while residents were told to leave by road as firefighters valiantly battled the flames. Spain meanwhile declared a national emergency, with wildfires destroying thousands of hectares near Madrid. French President Macron requested European Union support, with aircraft from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Slovakia arriving to assist. The government's order, combined with coordinated evacuations in Biscarrosse, marks one of the most extensive wildfire responses in recent European history.
France has ordered the evacuation of the entire Cap Ferret peninsula. As a wildfire raged through the Gironde region, hundreds of residents and holidaymakers were forced to flee by boat, while others were instructed to leave via the main D106 road in Bordeaux.
The fire, ignited in Saumos on Tuesday, has now consumed about 8,700 hectares (roughly 21,500 acres). Firefighters continue to fight the blaze, with additional aerial and ground support expected.
In a related emergency, Spanish authorities declared a national emergency over continued wildfires in areas near Madrid. Reports indicated that fires in Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias were largely contained, though some areas such as Burgohondo remained uncontrolled.
President Emmanuel Macron highlighted that the situation was "very tense" and requested assistance from the EU, with aircraft from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Slovakia arriving to aid firefighting efforts.
Across the Acrole peninsula, an estimated 20,000 residents—including many visitors—were evacuated as the prefect of Gironde, Sophie Brocas, announced the premature end of public access to the area. A separate evacuation of more than 23,000 people was carried out from the French town of Biscarrosse, which saw a major blaze begin on Thursday afternoon.
Officials warned the public not to visit the affected regions and advised those in impacted areas to contact authorities via the provided form. All efforts to monitor evacuated homes against vandalism were also undertaken.
