Wildfires rage across Europe: France, Spain, UK hit hard

Wildfires are raging across several European countries. In Spain and the United Kingdom, residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, and the situation remains tense.

Publication Date: July 17, 2026 — 3:44 PM

France

France is experiencing its most extensive wildfires since World War II, according to President Emmanuel Macron. He made the remarks during a visit to firefighting crews still battling blazes in the famous Forest of Fontainebleau, south of Paris. Ten percent of the forest — one of the largest contiguous forest areas in Western Europe — has been destroyed.

"Apart from that, we are facing a summer across France that we know will be hard," the president said. While the actual wildfire season is still ahead, all records have already been broken. "That's why we all have to stick together."

Investigations suggest the initial outbreak in the Forest of Fontainebleau may have been caused by negligence. The public prosecutor's office has launched proceedings against a company and two of its workers who used a cut-off saw during repair work on guardrails along the A6 motorway. Sparks ignited vegetation, causing the fire to spread rapidly to the adjacent forest.

Later, a volunteer firefighter was arrested. According to official statements, he confessed to setting a fire with a lighter and gasoline. Another man unintentionally contributed to the outbreak by discarding a cigarette butt.

Spain

In Spain, a fire in the northeastern region of Aragon has already destroyed approximately 4,500 hectares of forest, scrubland, and agricultural land, according to authorities. The fire near the town of Orés remains out of control, the regional government announced.

The following towns have been evacuated:

• Orés
• Asín
• Luesia
• Malpica de Arba

According to media reports, around 500 people are affected in total. More than 400 emergency personnel are fighting the flames. Due to strong and shifting winds, the situation is considered extremely difficult. Authorities expect it will take several days to bring the fire under control.

United Kingdom

A wildfire in a national park in the Scottish Highlands has also led to the evacuation of houses, campsites, and other facilities. According to the British news agency PA, the flames spread over a length of 3.5 kilometers through heathland in the Cairngorms National Park, near the town of Nethy Bridge, southeast of Inverness.

The fire reportedly broke out on Wednesday morning and raged throughout the night. Tourists were asked to avoid the area. There were no initial reports of injuries or deaths.

Broader Context

Climate change increases the likelihood of fires, particularly in the Mediterranean region, by contributing to prolonged periods of drought and heat.