Spain Battles Massive Wildfires, National Emergency Declared; France Seeks EU Help

MADRID/PARIS: Severe wildfires have broken out across forested regions in Spain, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people from mountain towns west of the capital, Madrid.
Due to three major wildfire incidents in the region and the neighboring province of Ávila, the government has declared a national emergency, placing oversight of relief and rescue operations under the central government. Notably, this marks the first time such an emergency has been declared in Spain over wildfires — the last comparable alert was issued during a nationwide power blackout last year.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System, more than 350 wildfire incidents have been recorded across Spain so far this year.
Meanwhile, France has requested assistance from the European Union to help bring a coastal wildfire under control. Amid an intense heatwave, wildfires are spreading rapidly across Europe, forcing thousands to relocate to safer areas.
French authorities have ordered a complete evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula, a popular tourist destination, due to the severity of the fires. Around 40,000 people were evacuated from the area, with several transported to safety by boat.