The UK Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice for France and Spain as wildfires continue to rage across both countries. Around a dozen nations have sent planes, helicopters, firefighters and other assistance to help contain the blazes. The fires have forced more than 330,000 people to flee their homes in recent days.
France
The Foreign Office is warning travellers about wildfires in south-west France. It says: "Wildfires are affecting parts of Gironde and Landes in the south-west of France. French authorities have evacuated campsites, tourist accommodation and some residential areas. Access to affected areas may be restricted and roads may close at short notice. Further evacuations may take place."
The advice adds: "If you are in an affected area, or planning to travel there: follow instructions and updates from local authorities and emergency services at all times; call 112 if you need emergency help." Travellers should check with their accommodation or travel provider before travelling. A public information line is open from 09:00 to 17:00 at +33 (0)9 70 80 90 40 (select option 1 for Gironde, option 2 for Landes). Active wildfires can be monitored on the French wildfire map: Feux de Forêt.
French president Emmanuel Macron urged fire crews to “stay strong” as they battled a major wildfire that has burned an area four times the size of Paris and forced 220,000 people to flee. He described the situation as France’s worst fire-related crisis since the Second World War. While the inferno’s progression was halted on Monday, Macron cautioned: “The weeks ahead will be hard.”
Spain
The Foreign Office says: "Spanish authorities have declared a national emergency because of wildfires in parts of Madrid and Ávila. There are also reports of wildfires in other inland areas of Spain." It advises those in affected areas to follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services and to call 112 if needed.
In Spain, wildfires have burned out of control around Madrid and in the Valencia region. Authorities evacuated 79,000 people and confined 30,000 others to their homes. A fire in Ávila, west of Madrid, has become Spain’s largest on record, scorching 193 square miles — five times the size of Barcelona.
