France and Spain wildfire witnesses describe 'wall of flames', fear and stress
Residents in France and Spain are facing severe stress and evacuation orders as massive wildfires burn near populated areas. Witnesses describe thick smoke and walls of flames, highlighting the immediate danger to communities and holidaymakers.
Why it matters
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe pose significant threats to public safety, local economies, and tourism.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock By Freya Scott-Turner Published 28 minutes ago People in the French city of Bordeaux are feeling "anxious and fearful" as a wildfire burns just 15km (9.3 miles) from its outskirts, a resident has told the BBC.
Pierre Pourquery said that people are wearing masks and some are struggling to breathe because of a "thick smoke haze" that has been blown across the city.
Another woman described the "stress and trauma" being felt in the nearby seaside resort of Biscarrosse Plage after a wildfire ripped through it.
Residents and holidaymakers told the BBC of their experiences as emergency responders in France and Spain work to contain wildfires that have scorched tens of thousands of hectares and seen more than 300,000 people evacuated across both countries.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images Image caption, Pierre Pourquery described a "thick smoke haze" hanging over the city of Bordeaux
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