Wildfires continue to rage in parts of Spain and France, prompting travel warnings from the Foreign Office. Spanish authorities declared a national emergency last week as blazes erupted in Madrid, Ávila, and other inland areas, while fires in southwestern France have affected Gironde and Landes.
Evacuations and scale
More than 100,000 people have been evacuated from Spain and around 220,000 from France since the fires began. French President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as a "completely unprecedented wildfire" as temperatures are forecast to reach 40°C during a fresh heatwave.
Spain travel warnings
The Foreign Office advises Britons in Spain to follow instructions from local authorities, check emergency service updates, and call 112 for help. The warning, issued on 24 July and still current on 28 July, says: "Spanish authorities have declared a national emergency because of wildfires in parts of Madrid and Ávila." Travellers heading through France or Gibraltar are urged to check respective travel advice beforehand.
France travel warnings
For France, the Foreign Office states: "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." It warns that access may be restricted and roads may close at short notice. A public information line is available from 09:00 to 17:00 at +33 (0)9 70 80 90 40 (option 1 for Gironde, option 2 for Landes). The FCDO also notes a "high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October" in France.
Affected areas
France: Arcachon, Arès, Biscarrosse, Bordeaux, Cap-Ferret, Eysines, Fontainebleau forest, Gironde, Lacanau, Landes, Le Barp, Le Haillan, Le Porge, Marcheprime, Mérignac, Moutchic, Saint-Jean-d'Illac, Saumos, Tarn, Var.
Spain: Ávila, Betxí, Burgohondo, Casavieja, Castellón, Castilla-La Mancha, Chapinería, Guadalajara, La Adrada, Madrid, Manises, Nules, Pelayos de la Presa, Robledo de Chavela, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Toledo, Valencia, Villamanta, Villaviciosa de Odón.
Industry advice
ABTA, the travel association, issued a warning stating: "For people due to travel, they should keep in touch with their travel provider, as any operational changes or advice will depend on the specific destination and itinerary. They should monitor the local news in the regions and any instructions or updates from the local authorities, as well as any guidance provided by their accommodation provider and travel company. We would also advise people scheduled to travel to check the Foreign Office advice for travel to France and Spain."
