In France's Gironde region, home to Bordeaux, a city renowned for its wine industry, local authorities issued evacuation orders for over 250,000 people to combat the wildfires. This marks one of France's largest evacuation operations since World War II.

On the night of 25/7, an additional 5 localities in the Gironde region were ordered to evacuate due to shifting winds and increasingly dry weather, complicating the wildfire situation. The area of forest burned in Gironde, primarily pine forests and withered scrubland after successive heatwaves, has increased to nearly 42,000 hectares.

Aircraft dropping water to fight fires in San Martin de Valdeiglesias, Spain, on 26/7. *Photo: AFP*

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that the wildfire situation remains "very unfavorable". Fires reignited fiercely and progressed unpredictably, with high temperatures causing the blazes to generate their own winds, spreading flames in unforeseen directions and rapidly moving towards the Bordeaux urban area. By the night of 25/7, the fires showed signs of decreasing intensity.

France is deploying ground and aerial firefighting forces to prevent the flames from reaching Bordeaux. Aircraft continuously drop water and fire retardants, while military personnel assist firefighting crews working around the clock. Several European nations have also sent planes, helicopters, and firefighters to assist.

In Spain, a series of villages west of Madrid continued to be evacuated overnight, and a new fire ignited near the coastal city of Valencia.

Valencia authorities reported that a fire in the scrubland mountains of the Manises area resulted in one fatality, marking the first recorded death in Spain's latest wildfire wave.

Paris firefighters deployed to Gironde to combat wildfires on 26/7. *Photo: AFP*

Valencia's regional president, Juanfran Perez Llorca, stated that the fires had exceeded local forces' containment capabilities. Pilar Bernabe, the Spanish government's delegate, described the situation as "very tense" while battling fires in adverse weather conditions.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain "still faces difficult hours ahead", but assessed efforts to control the blazes as progressing positively.

Uncontrolled wildfires in Spain this week have forced approximately 116,000 people from their homes.

By Thanh Danh (Based on CBS, AFP)