France and Spain battle record wildfires as new heatwave looms

In late July 2026, France and Spain faced record-breaking wildfires, with firefighters struggling to contain the blazes as a new heatwave threatened to worsen conditions. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the country should prepare for weeks of firefighting, as the extreme heat and dry conditions fueled the spread of flames. The fires forced thousands of residents to flee their homes, with some describing the scenes as "apocalyptic."