Signs of improvement have emerged across the major wildfires affecting Spain and France, allowing thousands of displaced residents to return to their homes. Authorities remain on high alert, however, as rising temperatures and strong winds could trigger fresh outbreaks.
Thousands return home near Madrid
In Spain, local authorities said 24,000 people evacuated because of fires in the Madrid region had been allowed to return home. An order requiring approximately 20,000 other residents to remain indoors was also lifted.
The measures covered 13 communities located about 50 kilometres from Madrid. Firefighters are continuing operations to consolidate the progress made in recent days, while the return of residents has proceeded without major problems.
Despite the improvement, officials warned that weather conditions were becoming unfavourable again. Temperatures were expected to reach 37°C, while stronger winds could complicate firefighting operations.
The Madrid wildfire, together with the major blaze in Ávila in the neighbouring region of Castile and León, has already burned approximately 770,000 stremmas of land.
Gironde fire remains stable
In France, the major wildfire burning in Gironde since 22 July remained stable, according to local authorities. The blaze has burned approximately 420,000 stremmas.
Gironde Prefect Sophie Brocas said the night had passed calmly and that flare-ups were brought under control quickly. She added that the total area affected by the fire had not increased.
It is the largest forest fire recorded in France since 1949.
Heat and winds raise concerns
Despite the relative stabilisation of the fire, French authorities remain concerned about the impact of high temperatures and strong winds.
An orange heat warning has been issued for Gironde and the neighbouring Landes department. Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 38°C in coastal areas and 41°C in central parts of the country.
Westerly winds with gusts of up to 45 kilometres per hour, combined with low humidity, are increasing the likelihood of new fire outbreaks.
Firefighters have warned of an “extremely high risk of flare-ups”, while thunderstorm warnings have already been issued for Thursday.
More than 222,000 people evacuated
Since the Gironde fire began, more than 222,000 people have been evacuated as a precaution from 24 locations.
On Tuesday evening, 57,000 residents from three towns near Bordeaux returned home after being evacuated over the weekend.
Work is continuing on firebreaks extending for a total of 127 kilometres, with the aim of preventing the flames from spreading further.
According to the prefecture, 126 firefighters have been injured since the blaze began.
New wildfires have also broken out in recent days in Corsica, the Hautes-Alpes and the Var department, keeping French authorities on heightened alert.
Source: AMNA
