European relations minister Hamish Falconer has warned that 'many Brits' are caught up in the devastating wildfires in France and Spain, urging them to follow evacuation instructions from local authorities.
'So, for all British citizens in France and Spain, please do follow the advice of the local authorities,' Falconer told Times Radio. He described the situation as 'incredibly fast moving'.
Wildfires Threaten Bordeaux and Madrid
The massive wildfire in the Gironde department of south-west France has advanced to within about ten miles of Bordeaux. French President Emmanuel Macron was holding a crisis meeting. The hotel zone around Bordeaux airport has been closed for accommodation, though flights continued to operate.
In Spain, the wildfire bearing down on Madrid appeared to ease overnight, but authorities in Valencia confirmed the death of a man in a separate blaze. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said countries needed to ramp up defences against wildfires.
Mass Evacuations and Casualties
Massive forest fires have forced the evacuation of 200,000 people in south-western France and central Spain, including 141,000 in the Gironde and Landes departments in France. Two firefighters were killed near Bordeaux, 42 have been injured, and hundreds of homes destroyed. Some Britons on holiday in the Cap Ferret resort were given just 30 minutes to evacuate days ago.
Travel Advice and Reactions
The Foreign Office has set up hotlines to help stranded Britons. However, some British citizens reported a lack of support. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said: 'My thoughts are with everyone affected by the wildfires in Europe. I am in touch with my French and Spanish counterparts about the situation. British nationals should follow the advice of local authorities in the area, alongside FCDO travel advice.'
Despite the crisis, French minister Éléonore Caroit urged tourists not to cancel travel plans. 'It’s more than an incident, it really is a tragedy, nearly 50,000 hectares have been burned this year. It’s significantly worse than last year and even 2022, which was the worst year we had had,' she said. 'You have entire areas that are fine... so do please come to France and do not cancel your travel plans. But wherever you are, please do be advised as to what might be happening.'
British restaurant owner Lance Attwood, 58, who owns Sweeney Todd’s in Bordeaux city centre, described the scene: 'The town is full of smoke and ash, so there’s a big drop in business, people are just walking around town in masks. Our biggest concern is people’s safety and the safety of the emergency services.' He encouraged donations of dry food to local charities.
