More than 300,000 people fled wildfires raging across France and Spain on Saturday as worsening conditions forced fresh evacuations and authorities warned of a “difficult night”. Fire-generated whirlwinds fuelled blazes near Bordeaux, while Spain battled expanding infernos threatening areas near Madrid. Follow our liveblog for the latest developments.
Spain orders more evacuations as Madrid wildfires worsen
Spain’s interior ministry announced a fresh round of evacuations late on Saturday as wildfires raged near Madrid, including in the province of Toledo, south-west of the Spanish capital.
“The situation is complex,” Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska told reporters. “Today, we are somewhat more pessimistic than yesterday. Weather conditions – as you have seen throughout the day – have not helped at all. The night ahead does not look favourable; it will not be an easy one for us,” he warned.
