France and Spain Race to Contain Record Wildfires Before a New Heat Wave

A dire situation is unfolding across Spain and France as fire crews race to control a slew of massive wildfires before the next heatwave develops across western Europe. Read on for all of the details of the devastation.

Record-Breaking Fires Burn Out of Control in Spain and France

Officials in France and Spain are working feverishly to bring historic wildfires under control before extreme heat settles in again. Fires in both neighboring nations have already displaced thousands of residents.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the crisis when he visited a coordination center in the southwestern corner of the country on Monday. When talking about the worst fire emergency for France since World War II, Macron acknowledged that "the weeks ahead will be hard. We must hold firm."

The largest French wildfire has burned an area four times the size of the capital city of Paris. At least 220,000 people have had to evacuate since the unpredictable fire began. Crews gained a major win on Monday when they held the line before the flames reached the city of Bordeaux.

Over in Spain, at least 100,000 people have been forced to leave their homes as several fires burn uncontained. Three large fires burning in the mountains northwest of Madrid have sent smoke billowing into the country's largest city. A fire burning in the province of Avila is now distinguished as the largest fire in recent Spanish history.