Fires in Spain and France are stabilizing, but a new heat wave threatens | Today’s news
(Bloomberg) — Fires in France and Spain that forced the evacuation of more than 300,000 people have stabilized, but extreme heat is forecast to return in the coming days.
The fire in the Gironde region on France’s south-west Atlantic coast saw no major changes overnight, according to the regional government. This fire threatened the city of Bordeaux at the weekend. In Spain, authorities reported no significant overnight flare-ups or progress in huge fires south and west of Madrid.
“Yesterday we saw a positive trend, although it is true that the situation remains very, very complex,” said Spanish Environment Minister Sara Aagesen in an interview with RNE.
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
The fires in Spain and France were primarily fueled by extreme heat, prolonged drought and denser than usual vegetation as a result of an unusually wet winter intensified by climate change.
More than 300,000 people have been evacuated to ensure their safety as the fires spread rapidly, threatening urban areas and creating dangerous conditions for residents.
Firefighters in France and Spain are battling forest fires with a significant deployment of personnel, firefighting aircraft and the help of military units and international teams.
Yes, people near fire zones should follow evacuation orders, be informed of fire updates and ensure they have a plan for a quick and safe exit if needed.
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of forest fires in Europe by creating more extreme weather conditions, leading to drought and allowing fires to spread more quickly.
Spain and France have been at the epicenter of Europe’s fire season, which began earlier this year and has accelerated in recent weeks as successive heat waves have baked vegetation, making it easier for flames to spread quickly.
Climate change is intensifying periods of extreme heat in Europe, the fastest warming continent. Record heat and drought fueled the worst start to the global wildfire season as climatologists warned that a developing El Niño could bring even harsher conditions later this summer.
The fires around Madrid have burned about 77,000 hectares (190,000 acres). The fire in Ávila province, just outside the capital, has an area of 50,000 hectares, making it the largest recorded forest fire in Spanish history, according to Aagesen.
About 60,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in recent days, while another 30,000 have been ordered to shelter in place, in part to keep roads clear for firefighters and soldiers. Another major Spanish fire is burning about 50 kilometers north of the coastal city of Valencia.
In France, more than 200,000 people were evacuated from the Gironde as uncontrolled and erratic forest fires spread around Bordeaux. While the area of the fire was largely stable Monday morning, the situation remains fragile, David Annotel, who represents the national association of firefighters, told Franceinfo radio.
Forest fire risks will remain high in Spain and France this week as a fourth summer heat wave takes hold.
Temperatures are forecast to rise to around 40C in central and southern Spain by Tuesday, before reaching 37C in south-west France on Wednesday. Amber heat warnings are in place for a number of Spanish regions.
–With assistance from William Horobin.
More such stories are available at bloomberg.com
