European relations minister Hamish Falconer has said that “many Brits” are caught up in the devastating wildfires raging around Bordeaux in France and Madrid in Spain. He urged those affected to follow evacuation and other 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. “Keep updated on our travel advice, which is changing regularly.” He described the situation as “incredibly fast moving” in both countries.
Wildfires near Bordeaux and Madrid
The massive wildfire in the Gironde department of south west France has advanced to within about ten miles of Bordeaux. Hotels near Bordeaux airport have stopped accepting guests, though flights were still operating. Some British holidaymakers in the Cap Ferret resort were given just 30 minutes to evacuate days ago.
In Spain, the wildfire bearing down on Madrid appeared to have eased overnight. The Foreign Office has set up hotlines to assist stranded Britons, but some UK citizens have reported a lack of support.
Evacuations and casualties
Massive forest fires have forced the evacuation of about 200,000 people in south-western France and central Spain, including 141,000 in the Gironde and Landes departments in France. Two firefighters have been killed near Bordeaux, 42 have been injured, and hundreds of homes have been destroyed.
French minister Éléonore Caroit, responsible for international partnerships, urged tourists not to cancel travel plans despite the “exceptionally intense” fire season. “It’s more than an incident, it really is a tragedy, nearly 50,000 hectares have been burned this year,” she said. “But most other regions are OK, so do please come to France and do not cancel your travel plans.” She noted that the French army had been deployed and EU nations were sending planes and helicopters to fight the fires.
Official response
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.”
Lance Attwood, a British restaurant owner in Bordeaux, described the city as “full of smoke and ash,” with residents wearing masks outdoors. “Our biggest concern is people’s safety and the safety of the emergency services,” he said. He encouraged donations of dry food with a long shelf-life to local charities to help those affected.
