Europe remains on high alert as devastating wildfires continue to spread.
MADRID/PARIS — Wildfires continued to devastate parts of southern Europe on Monday, with Spain facing what authorities described as the most destructive wildfire in its recorded history, while France stabilized a massive blaze near Bordeaux and Portugal battled multiple active fires.
In France, authorities said the wildfire in the Gironde region near Bordeaux had been stabilized after making no further advances overnight. The fire has burned approximately 42,000 hectares, while more than 220,000 people remain evacuated.
More than 2,500 firefighters, 1,700 police officers and gendarmes, 1,500 military personnel and 18 aircraft continue working to contain the blaze. Officials warned that conditions remain unfavorable as another heat wave is expected to push temperatures in southwestern France to 104°F (40°C).
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit the affected region, while Germany has deployed helicopters and firefighting equipment to assist in containment efforts.
In Spain, multiple wildfires have affected more than 170,000 people through evacuations and confinement orders.
The most severe blaze, in Burgohondo in the central province of Ávila, has burned for five days and is considered the country’s most destructive wildfire since official records began. Approximately 40,000 residents from 16 municipalitiesremain evacuated.
Authorities also continue battling a major fire in Vall d’Uixó, in the eastern province of Castellón, where more than 7,500 hectares have burned. More than 400 ground personnel and 25 aircraft are involved in firefighting operations, while roughly 80,000 people remain under evacuation or confinement orders.
Meanwhile, Portugal is combating six active wildfires, including one near the Spanish border in the northern region of Bragança that authorities say could spread into Spain.
Portuguese emergency officials said they are coordinating with Spanish authorities to contain the blaze, with more than 100 firefighters, dozens of ground vehicles and aerial resources deployed. Additional large fires remain active in the central regions of Guarda and Santarém, where rugged terrain has complicated firefighting efforts.
Despite the challenging conditions, Portuguese authorities said no communities are currently under immediate threat from the fires.
