Europe is battling one of its most severe wildfire emergencies as massive blazes continue to rage across France and Spain. More than 300,000 people have been evacuated or confined, while thousands of firefighters are racing to contain fires near Bordeaux and Madrid before another extreme heatwave arrives. French President Emmanuel Macron has chaired a crisis meeting as firefighters continue battling flames threatening communities across southwest France. In Spain, thousands remain displaced as authorities struggle to contain multiple wildfires.

Europe is facing one of its most severe early summer heatwaves, with record-breaking temperatures pushing infrastructure to its limits. As temperatures climb above 40°C in several countries, roads are melting, tram tracks are buckling, train services are being disrupted, and power grids are coming under increasing pressure. Hospitals are also reporting a surge in heat-related cases as millions endure dangerous conditions. The World Health Organization has warned that Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth and has linked the ongoing heatwave to a growing number of excess deaths.