Forest fires in France and Spain: over 200,000 people have been evacuated
This is according to France 24.
Settlements near Bordeaux are being evacuated
A precautionary evacuation has been announced in the suburbs of Le Ayant, Eysins and Mérignac, where the fire is approaching. The authorities have also urged drivers to avoid travelling on roads in the Gironde department to ensure unhindered access for fire engines and other emergency services.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported that more than 141,000 people have already been evacuated from the Gironde and Landes departments alone, where the fires broke out at the start of the week. According to him, the scale of the current fires is unprecedented for the country.
In Spain, firefighters have taken advantage of the improved weather
In central Spain, emergency services are continuing to battle large-scale fires near Madrid. According to the government, weather conditions on Friday night helped the firefighters’ efforts: temperatures dropped, the wind died down and humidity levels rose. As a result, the spread of the fire was slowed and the intensity of the blazes decreased.
However, Francisco Martín, a representative of the central government in Madrid, warned that the situation could worsen again on Saturday due to stronger and changeable winds.
Evacuations have now been ordered in 10 towns and villages in the Madrid region. Residents of a further three communities have been advised to stay at home due to the danger. More than two thousand people are staying in 14 temporary evacuation centres set up by the regional authorities.
Emergency services in France and Spain are continuing to contain the fires and have not ruled out further evacuations should the fires continue to spread.
Follow us on our Telegram channel
