Historic wildfires in France and Spain have forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate. Here's what to know
Summary
Heat waves and low rainfall have caused huge wildfires in France and Spain, forcing over 300,000 people to leave their homes. These fires are some of the largest and most severe in recent European history, worsened by rising temperatures linked to climate change.Key Facts
- Wildfires in France and Spain have scorched more than 300,000 hectares (about 1,160 square miles) this year.
- Over 300,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas in both countries.
- France recorded its hottest June ever, with temperatures 3.8°C (6.8°F) above normal and nearly half the usual rainfall.
- Spain experienced six times more burned land in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025.
- The wildfires include Spain’s largest and third-largest fires on record, with one near Madrid burning over 50,000 hectares (193 square miles).
- The dry and hot weather, worsened by climate change, has made vegetation dry and easier to burn.
- Firefighters in Spain reported that some fires were too intense to fight directly.
- The European Union described the evacuations as among the largest in Europe since World War II.
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