Spain declared a wildfire emergency for the first time on July 24 as severe heatwaves across Europe fuelled major fires and large-scale evacuations. France also requested emergency assistance from the European Union to tackle fires along its Atlantic coast. Authorities in affected countries have moved residents from extensive areas to safer shelters as they work to contain the blazes and protect lives.

In France, officials ordered the evacuation of the entire tourist-frequented Cape Ferret peninsula after flames and thick smoke reached close to residential areas. About 63,000 residents have been evacuated, with a large share rescued by sea. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said a fire that began in the Saumos area near the peninsula's northern end had nearly blocked the only main road out.

The fire, described by Nunez as France's worst of the year, has burned about 10,000 hectares and damaged at least 80 homes, including 50 destroyed completely. In Spain, more than 10,000 residents were evacuated from towns in mountainous areas west of Madrid. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the emergency declaration would make coordination among agencies and overall control of the situation easier.