France
More than 10,000 people were evacuated overnight in the Gironde department of southwestern France. According to local authorities, the flames have already destroyed more than 2,000 hectares in the region. The fire started in the town of Saumos and is spreading southwest towards Le Porge and Lège Cap-Ferret.
On Thursday morning, 500 firefighters were battling the blaze, with air support expected. On Tuesday, two firefighters battling the flames died in the Mérignac suburb of Bordeaux.
More than 10,000 people were evacuated overnight.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez met with their families on Wednesday and expressed the country’s gratitude and support. The highest “red” fire danger remains in several departments in Southern France on Thursday.
Italy
Fires also broke out in Sicily, where about 6,000 rescuers, firefighters, and forest protection officers have been mobilized. According to the regional government, 300 out of 344 registered fires had been extinguished by Wednesday. The crisis situation persists in Casaboli, Bivona, Alimena, and other areas.
Read more A dose of European humor: on the „ŽMONĖS Cinema“ platform – „Scanorama“ hits
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi announced that firefighter Alessandro Marchi died while on duty in the San Cataldo area. The minister expressed his deep condolences to the family of the deceased.
Spain
A large fire also broke out southwest of Madrid, between the towns of Almorox and Villa del Prado. The Civil Guard shared images on social media of officers going through homes to evacuate residents. On Wednesday evening, 88 firefighters were battling the blaze, supported by 35 vehicles and a helicopter.
Another devastating fire in the Guadalajara province north of Madrid has already burned 32,000 hectares. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, approximately 254,388 hectares have already burned in the EU in 2026 – exceeding the long-term average, although slightly less than in 2025 during the same period (270,449 ha).
Read more Marco Rubio: Iranians lured Houthis into Red Sea attacks
