Tens of thousands forced to evacuate as wildfires tear through Spain and southern France

Spain’s government declared a national emergency after wildfires forced the evacuation of some 10,000 people, while in France thousands fled their homes.

Spain’s government declared a national emergency Friday after wildfires forced the evacuation of some 10,000 people in the central region of Madrid, while in southern France more than 60,000 residents fled their homes, including by boat, to escape two major blazes.

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“We are experiencing a dramatic situation, not just in several Spanish regions but also in neighboring countries,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wrote on X.

“My solidarity with all the people who have been affected and been forced to leave their homes.”