More than 220,000 people have been moved to safety as severe wildfires spread rapidly across Spain and France. Spain declared a national emergency for the first time in its history on July 25 as conditions worsened, while France requested European Union assistance to contain fires in its southwest.

In Spain, three separate fires west of Madrid merged into a larger blaze, challenging firefighters. About 63,000 people were ordered to leave affected areas or remain indoors, including at least 25,000 who were evacuated. At least 6,000 hectares have burned in the Madrid region and about 9,000 hectares in Avila province. Residents were evacuated from eight municipalities, while lockdowns remain in several other areas.

In France, more than 140,000 people were evacuated from the Gironde and Landes regions. More than 19,000 hectares of forest burned in Gironde and about 80 homes were destroyed. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the fire was advancing toward Bordeaux, and at least 50 firefighters were injured. The Czech Republic and Slovakia announced they would send two Black Hawk helicopters.