Large wildfires are simultaneously affecting France and Spain from the second week of July 2026, forcing the evacuation of nearly 300,000 people across both countries. In France, the fires are concentrated in the southwestern departments of Gironde and Landes. According to the French Interior Ministry, 110,000 people have been evacuated from Gironde and 31,000 from Landes, for a total of over 141,000 evacuees. The flames have destroyed more than 13,000 hectares of forest. At least 53 homes and a campsite have been destroyed. One firefighter was injured, reportedly due to a gas cylinder explosion. Approximately 800 firefighters are deployed on the ground. The Cap Ferret peninsula, near the Arcachon basin, was evacuated overnight after a firebreak line collapsed. While thousands left the area by land, hundreds escaped by sea aboard private boats. French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the mobilization of armed forces and the activation of the Interministerial Crisis Unit. Approximately 1,500 soldiers have been deployed. France also requested the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with aircraft from several European countries expected to arrive. Authorities fear that strong winds forecast in the coming hours could further spread the flames. In Spain, wildfires near Madrid have forced the evacuation or confinement of approximately 40,000 people. Carlos Novillo, head of emergency management for the Madrid regional government, stated that the fire has reached its most critical point and exceeds the firefighters' capacity to contain it. Regional prefect Francisco Martin Aguirre described the situation as very complicated due to strong winds. Spain has declared a state of national emergency. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are expected at the rescue coordination center. According to ANSA news agency, one death has been reported near Valencia. Further evacuations are being prepared in the Bordeaux area, according to the French Prefecture.