French President Emmanuel Macron will hold an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday as wildfires continue to threaten the south-western city of Bordeaux.
The largest blaze is now about 15 kilometres from the city, raising fears that another heatwave could worsen conditions. Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave said there were currently no plans to evacuate the city’s population of about 850,000 people.
France and neighbouring Spain have been battling severe wildfires for days. More than 330,000 people have been evacuated across both countries.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the situation around Bordeaux as highly unfavourable. He warned that shifting winds were causing the fire to spread unpredictably toward the city.
Weather forecasts indicate temperatures could reach 40°C in parts of France from Tuesday.
Fire officials said the blaze has created an enormous pyrocumulonimbus, a fire-generated thunderstorm capable of producing powerful winds and lightning that further fuel the flames.
More than 42,000 hectares have been destroyed in south-west France, while nearly 98,000 hectares have burned nationwide since the start of the year. More than 220,000 people have been evacuated in the affected region.
Spain is also facing worsening conditions. Around 15,000 residents have fled a new wildfire near Valencia, while officials continue battling blazes near Madrid and Ávila.
Authorities say about 77,000 hectares have burned across Spain this year. Over 90,000 people have also been evacuated from areas surrounding Madrid and Ávila.
