Over 30,000 people, including local residents and tourists, have left their homes as very large wildfires burn through southwest France and central Spain. These fires started because of a severe heatwave, with record high temperatures making forests and land very dry. In both countries, firefighters are working hard to control the fast-moving fires, which are destroying many areas.

The main cause of the fires is the extreme heat. In Spain, temperatures reached 44.7°C, which is the highest ever recorded in the country. This heat made it much easier for the fires to start and spread quickly.

Because of the fires, many people have been moved to safe shelters such as exhibition halls and emergency centres. Emergency services continue to focus on protecting towns and holiday resorts, while asking the public to be very careful.