Travel advice has been updated for Spain and France as wildfires rage through both countries.
The UK government is advising people in Spain to avoid travelling through affected areas of Madrid and Avila, while in France, people are being advised to follow the advice of local authorities and check with their accommodation or travel provider before travelling.
The wildfires have forced the evacuation of more than 300,000 people, and authorities are considering the total evacuation of the city of Bordeaux.
“The fires which are hitting our country have reached a level that has never been seen before,” French prime minister Sebastien Lecornu said.
The French army has also been drafted in to help with the crisis and the EU has sent planes and helicopters.
Madrid's regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso said that it marked the “worst fire in the history of the region” and that conditions had been made worse by a combination of high temperatures, wind and the merging of blazes.
Here is the official travel advice for both countries:
Spain
The UK government is warning that Spain has declared a national emergency over the fires in Madrid and Ávila, while there are also reports of wildfires in other inland areas of Spain.
Those in Spain are urged to:
- follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services at all times
- avoid travelling to or through affected areas
- check updates from the emergency services
- call 112 if you need emergency help.
Those planning to travel through Spain from France are being advised to check the travel advice for France before starting their journey, while those planning to travel to Spain from Gibraltar are advised to check the travel advice for Gibraltar.
France
The UK government is warning of wildfires in parts of Gironde, including areas around Saumos, Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret.
It notes that French authorities have evacuated campsites, tourist accommodation and some residential areas.
A separate wildfire is also affecting parts of Landes, including Biscarrosse and surrounding areas.
Access to affected areas may be restricted and roads may close at short notice, the government warns.
Those in the area or planning to travel there are urged to follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media, and check with their accommodation or travel provider before travelling.
For information on the wildfires, the Prefecture has opened a public information line from 9am-5pm on +33 (0)9 70 80 90 40 (select option 1 for Gironde).
Travellers can also monitor active wildfires on the French wildfire map.
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