On July 25, 2026, a massive wildfire emergency unfolded across southern Europe, particularly impacting France and Spain. France dispatched a large military cargo plane to drop tons of flame retardants to combat wildfires. These fires have displaced more than 250,000 people, with central Spain evacuating approximately 70,000. Tragically, one man lost his life in the municipality of Manises.
A French Air Force A400M aircraft released fire retardant over the southwestern French woodlands as the region battled flames threatening to spread toward Bordeaux. Due to the emergency, organizers of the Tour de France shortened its final stage, reallocating security personnel to aid firefighting efforts. Instead of beginning in Thoiry, the final race stage in Paris will now only cover 55 miles.
“Exceptional measures necessary due to the situation,” explained race organizers.
Bordeaux’s threat increased as winds shifted on Saturday afternoon. Authorities prepared by digging trenches and using retardants. The Interior Minister expected a prolonged and difficult struggle against the blaze, which was approximately 20 miles from the city. Despite progress, the fire remained dangerous, as noted by the Gironde region’s prefect.
The French government deployed soldiers and rushed 1.5 million face masks to protect citizens against smoke. Thousands of evacuees found temporary shelter at a Bordeaux exhibition center, with the city prepared to accommodate more evacuees if necessary. Local transit services were suspended, but Bordeaux’s airport stayed operational.
Gironde prefect Sophie Brocas reported that mobile phone alerts were sent, urging evacuations. The fire has destroyed about 140 homes in the region, catching authorities by surprise with its intensity.
The French military utilized the A400M transport plane, modified for firefighting, along with 18 other aerial units to fight the blaze. This emergency, exacerbated by climate change, also impacted Spain, where wildfires spread rapidly. In response, Spain deployed 2,600 personnel and 19 aerial units to address two major fires near Madrid. France mobilized 1,400 firefighters to combat the Gironde fire, while another wildfire affected the southern Landes region.
Panic ensued as residents fled by car, and firefighters battled flames fueled by successive heat waves. Record-breaking temperatures left forests dry and vulnerable, transforming them into tinderboxes. So far in 2026, wildfires have burned 130,000 hectares in Spain, surpassing the annual average for the past decade. In light of improved weather conditions, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez saw an opportunity for fire crews to make greater progress against the blazes.
Other European countries, including Italy, Greece, and Germany, contributed firefighting resources to support both France and Spain.
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