Wildfires are currently raging in parts of Spain and France, resulting in the death of one person and the evacuation of over 257,000 people. The deceased, a 78-year-old man, died in the Spanish town of Manises, north-west of Valencia, due to the fire. The fire is now under control, and the town has declared two days of official mourning.
Evacuations and Firefighting Efforts
In France, 198,000 people have been evacuated across the Gironde, Landes, Var, and Tarn regions, with the majority of evacuations from Gironde. About 60,000 people have been evacuated from Madrid and Avila in Spain, while nearly 88,000 others have been confined in these areas.
The final stage of the Tour de France on Sunday has been shortened to free up security forces and assist with the wildfires in the southwest. Overnight, more towns near Bordeaux, France, were told to evacuate as a precaution. The main fire in Gironde is now 30 kilometers from Bordeaux.
Firefighting Challenges and Preparations
Authorities are working on the edges of the main Gironde fire, but the wind is expected to shift on Saturday afternoon, making conditions tougher. Officials are preparing for all scenarios, including a possible evacuation of parts of Bordeaux. The main Gironde fire has burnt through 32,700 hectares, roughly three times the size of Paris, and 140 houses have been destroyed.
At least 54 firefighters have been injured, nine of whom were evacuated with non-life-threatening injuries. No casualties have been reported among the security and rescue forces so far. France is expected to get its fourth heatwave starting Tuesday, with temperatures expected between 93 to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Around Madrid, Spain, the fires advanced little overnight and dropped in intensity amid better weather. Twenty-three towns have been evacuated in Madrid and Avila since the fires began. NASA satellites detected 5,346 active hotspots across Spain in the last 24 hours.
Portugal is sending 200 firefighters to help in Avila. Smoke reached Madrid on Saturday morning, with a brown sky and strong burnt smell. Spanish authorities said there’s no major health risk right now but are advising vulnerable groups to limit time outdoors.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
