France orders evacuation of Cap Ferret peninsula as hundreds flee wildfires
Massive wildfires in France and Spain have forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, including the entire Cap Ferret peninsula. Officials describe the situation as a 'perfect storm' of extreme heat and wind, leading to significant property loss.
Why it matters
These fires underscore the increasing frequency and severity of climate-driven natural disasters in Europe, impacting tourism and local infrastructure.
Figure caption, Watch: Wildfires rage across France and Spain
French authorities have ordered the evacuation of the entirety of the Cap Ferret peninsula on the south-west coast, with hundreds of people escaping by boat.
Tens of thousands of people are being evacuated from the tourist spot west of Bordeaux, as firefighters continue to battle what the local prefect described as an "XXL fire" in the Gironde region.
The fires, which began on Tuesday, have burned for days, with officials saying 10,000 hectares (almost 25,000 acres) had been consumed by flames.
Meanwhile, Spain's government has declared a national emergency after wildfires burnt out of control in several areas close to the capital Madrid, prompting the evacuation of more than 19,000 people.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Hundreds have been evacuated from Cap Ferret peninsula by boat while others left by road
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