As wildfires continue to cause havoc in parts of Southern Europe, more than 320,000 people across France and Spain have had to leave their homes.
A fire that broke out last week in Gironde, southwest France has forced 220,000 residents to evacuate. Around 42,000 hectares of land have been affected by the fire.
In southwest France, thousands of evacuees have been housed at temporary shelters located in sports and exhibition halls.
The Gironde Prefecture updated its website on Monday. It said that firefighters had been able to stop the fire spreading over night, but the conditions remained unfavourable.
It said that, “Today thanks to better weather conditions, our efforts will be focused on treating fire edges and creating firebreaks using aerial resources.”
The French interior minister Laurent Nunez stated on Monday that because of its “erratic behavior,” the Gironde fire was “unprecedented.”
The Gironde Prefecture reports that 2,750 firefighters, with the help of 1,500 soldiers, 1,440 police officers and Gendarmes are trying to put out the fire. Also, 18 aerial firefighting resources are in use.
Local authorities report that 88 firefighters were injured in the blaze.
The Gironde Region announced on Monday that it has banned summer camps for kids, Scout camps and holidays for those with disabilities. It cited “exceptional circumstances” arising out of the current wildfires.
The farmers in southwest France have been providing assistance to the firefighting crews. They provide water tanks, as well as their local knowledge to assist emergency responders to battle the fires, establish firebreaks and create access routes.
Theo Hernandez said that this allows the firefighters to concentrate on fighting the fire. It’s spreading all over. “It is very strong and virulent.”
Sophie Brocas (prefect of Gironde) has stated that the authorities “do not want farmers to take individual initiative.”
She said that “generosity” is great, as long as it’s organised. There is a system in place for firefighters to work with farmers.
Nunez stated on Monday, that in France wildfires have consumed around 116,000 acres this year.
Madrid Flames Slowly Being Contained
A fire that has destroyed areas in and around Madrid is being stabilised by firefighters. This allows some older evacuees to go home.
Spanish authorities report that wildfires in the Madrid region, Avila province and Toledo have burned more than 77,000 ha.
Sara Aagesen said that Spain’s environment minister, Sara Aagesen stated on Sunday, the Avila Fire was “the largest in recent Spanish history.”
On Sunday, Valencia also saw evacuations. The first death recorded in Spain in recent fires was a man who died in a wildfire on Saturday, in Manises.
The Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez will visit the areas affected by recent fires.
Sanchez told reporters on Sunday that “we still have some challenging hours ahead”, adding that “the night was very positive” in terms of getting the fires under control.
The government reported that 76,000 people were evacuated from the Iberian nation, while another 30,000 had to stay in their houses. The evacuees are worried about the conditions they will find in their homes when they return.
It looked like the end of days. It was impossible to see. “Everything was covered with ash,” said Rocio Dominguez, who fled from Chapineria west of Madrid, along with her dog.
She said, “We’re not sure if the half of the house will be burned or intact when we arrive in the town or if there won’t be a home.” All the clothes, memories and everything else.
Spain is preparing for another heatwave, this time with temperatures expected in some parts to reach 40oC or 42oC.
According to the national weather agency AEMET, the heat wave will raise the fire risk “to extreme levels”.

A statement from the Justice Department said that police have arrested a man who had been convicted for kidnapping Victor Jara, an iconic Chilean singer and songwriter, in 1973 during Chile’s dictatorship.
Jara, who wrote songs like “El derecho en vivir en paz” (The Right to Live in Peace), was an important figure in the New Chilean Song movement in the 1960s.
Nelson Haase, a former military officer, was found guilty of killing Jara on 16 September 1973. Jara was tortured, and then killed with 44 bullets, just five days following Augusto Pinochet’s coup against Salvador Allende. He was forty years old.
According to documents dating from 2023, “He suffered physical abuse. The most serious blows were those to his hands and face.”
Seven retired military officers will be sentenced to prison for Jara’s death on August 28, 2023. This is weeks before 50th anniversary. The sentences range from 8 to 25 years.
Haase fled after his sentence of 25 years was announced.
The Justice Department sent AFP a statement that stated, “An Order has been Issued for Nelson Haase Mazzei to be Imprisoned.”
Local media reported that the ex-officer was located in Los Lagos, 590 miles to the south of the capital.
In 2023, when the police tried to arrest General Hernanchacon, he committed suicide. Five of the seven men are currently in prison. Pedro Barrientos was one, and he was detained by ICE in Florida during a 2023 traffic stop.
In a press release at the time, ICE stated that “On September 11, 1973, Augusto Pinochet, the general who led the violent coup, had been elected democratically as president of Chile by Salvador Allende.” In the weeks that followed, many were tortured and detained in Chile Stadium. This was an indoor sporting facility commandeered by the military as a temporary detention centre. Many people were either executed or disappeared. Victor Jara was a well-known folk singer.
The Chile Stadium in 2003 was named after Victor Jara.
Jara’s murder is one of the worst crimes of the dictatorship from 1973-1990. It left behind 3,200 victims (both dead and missing), including those who were killed.

Fire authorities said that the blaze that has engulfed parts of southwest France could last for several months.
According to Lieutenant Colonel David Annotel of France’s National Federation of Firefighters, the wildfire would burn “for a few weeks or months before it is fully put out,” he told RTL radio on Monday.
He said it took several months to extinguish a fire that started in 2022, but was much smaller.
Annotel said that the next two days are crucial for combating fires before Wednesday’s heatwave conditions.
According to the Community of Madrid’s president, in Madrid alone, wildfires have burned 28,000 hectares. This is equivalent to 108 square miles. More than 55,000 residents have either been forced to evacuate or remain at home.
Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the spokesperson for the Isabel Diaz Ayuso Foundation, said that 309 children are affected by the closure of 17 preschools and 13 roads. 300 firefighters and 50 vehicles, as well as eight aircraft, battle blazes in the region.
She said that 21 residential care homes were also evacuated, which affected more than 1300 vulnerable and elderly people.
The temperatures will rise above average in the fire-ravaged regions of Spain and France over the next few days. However, there is no sign of significant rainfall to alleviate the parched condition.
According to Spain’s national meteorological agency, AEMET, the fire danger is likely to rise from Tuesday to a very high level or even extreme, and stay there for a few days. The rest of this week, temperatures are expected to reach a maximum around 38° Celsius.
AEMET posted on X that the hot weather at the end of the month is likely to make July 2026 the hottest month in the history of the United States.
Through midweek, winds should be light between 10 and 15 kph with gusts of up to 20 kph. Higher gusts of over 40 km/h could be experienced in areas with mountainous terrain. These could cause fires to spread if the wind kicks up close to any existing flames.
Bordeaux, in southwest France will reach temperatures of 37-38 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Tuesday. Meteo France reports that the average temperature for this time of year in Bordeaux is 29° Celsius.
Southwest France (including Bordeaux) saw some light rain Sunday night. However, it was not sufficient to help the parched weather conditions. The rest of this week will be dry.
The wind should be relatively calm on Tuesday at 10 kph. On Wednesday, the winds are predicted to increase to 20 kph with possible gusts of up to 40 km/h. Winds should be between 10 and 15 kph for the rest of this week.
Wildfires in Italy were likely started by the discarded cigarette butt of a vehicle. The fire brigade reported that a dozen motorists abandoned their vehicles and fled on foot.
A fire that was fueled by high winds and temperatures lasted for 10 hours before it could be brought under control. Due to the closure of ramps and off-ramps caused by two separate, smaller fires on the Via Laurentina secondary highway and the A24 outbound motorway.
Normally, bumper to bumper traffic was a problem for many drivers returning to the city from a weekend getaway. They were therefore forced to make long detours.
Rome has announced traffic diversions and changes to public transport throughout the day.
On Monday, thick black smoke could be seen and smelled in the entire capital.
Fire brigades used water tanks and helicopters to put out the fires. They also warned residents to be vigilant as temperatures are expected to rise to 40 degrees Celsius this week. Strong winds and high temperatures could create conditions that favor more fires.
Five days have passed since the wildfires ravaged the forest in western Spain’s Madrid area.
Since that time, more than 30,000 people were evacuated. Many of these are now sleeping at sports centres and in makeshift shelters.
Lorz, who left her house on Thursday last week, has been staying in temporary shelters for the past three days. Now, she is at Villamanta Sports Center located approximately 40 km (25 miles west) of Madrid.
She says, calmly: “We were forced to leave with only the clothes that we had.” She adds: “The only thing I was able to grab, were the boxes of omeprazole and paracetamol.”
They help her to relieve the pain of arthritis as well as a shoulder injury that she sustained years ago.
This temporary shelter is home to around 250 residents. Some evacuees wander around among rows of bunk beds and folding beds. Others are resigned, while others seem frustrated.
Many are just trying to keep themselves busy and patient. Lorz believes that some moments, they can keep up their spirits, but at other times, it is difficult to maintain.
Everyone is waiting for Monday to bring good news, or at least the permission to go home.
According to the fire department, wildfires in southwest France have been so intense that they’ve created their own climate.
The fire clouds or “pyrocumulonimbus” are huge clouds formed by intense wildfires.
In the CNN Weather App, you can watch a firecloud produce a Tornado in California
The way they work is that very large fires can cause the air to become lighter, allowing the heat to rise quickly into the cooler upper atmosphere. The air condenses and cools as it ascends. This can produce thunderstorm clouds, which are capable of producing their own weather, including rain, wind, and lightning.
They can be dangerous because they can cause the fires to spread more quickly and the lightning can start new ones. These fire clouds can make the spread of blazes more unpredictable and difficult to control.
Mark Vermeulen said at a press conference on Sunday that it’s something “we haven’t seen before in France”.
Spanish authorities reported this morning that the wildfires burning through the countryside just west of Madrid have advanced slower overnight, but are still “active” and “uncontrolled”.
Firefighting teams were able to fight the fires at a slower pace, and identified three different fronts. The most active was located just north of San Juan Reservoir in hills that contain hiking trails and beauty spots.
Some elderly residents in San Martin de Valdeiglesias will be allowed back to their home care 15 km south of the hotspot. This was confirmed by local official Francisco Martin Aguirre who is the delegate of the Spanish Government in Madrid.
Wildfires are likely to be caused by an abnormally rainy winter in Europe, with prolonged rainfall and storms that occurred in both January and February.
High moisture levels during the winter months would have encouraged growth of grasses and brush. In May of this year, temperatures in Western Europe reached record highs, while precipitation in France and Spain plummeted. This led to a drought.
The soils dried at an unprecedented rate because the temperature spiked at exactly the same time the rain stopped. The phenomenon can be referred to as “flash-drought” or one which occurs very quickly.
According to research, climate pollution is responsible for a significant increase in the number and severity of sudden droughts across Europe. A hotter air acts as a sponge, soaking up moisture from the soil and causing droughts that cause wildfires.
As emergency crews rush to contain the wildfires that have ravaged Spain and France we are closely monitoring the latest developments. Temperatures will be expected to rise by midweek, especially in the worst-affected areas.
Take a look at two important fire zones.
The Gironde fires have prompted France’s largest peacetime evacuation in history. Bordeaux is France’s 6th most populous metropolis. Many are taking refuge in Bordeaux.
World Population Review states that only 270,000 people reside in the city proper, whereas about 1 million live in the metropolitan area. According to the city’s Mayor, who spoke earlier today, while the municipality itself is not in danger, surrounding communities were evacuated.
Le Porge is a 3500-person commune located west of Bordeaux.
In Spain, wildfires have claimed at least one life.
According to the Interior Ministry of Spain, more than 100,000 people were evacuated. Nearly 30,000 from Madrid alone.
Local media reported that the firefighters in Spain have been focusing on preventing two fires to merge west of Madrid.
This report was contributed by CNN’s Issy Ron, Pau Moquera and Renee Rigdon. Niamh Kennedy of CNN, Allison Chinchar from CNN, Tim Lister Oliver Sherwood, Melissa Bell, Tim Lister.
The temperatures in the fire-prone areas of Spain and France will begin to rise again Monday, and they’ll reach an abnormally high level by midweek.
The temperatures in both countries were 10 degrees Celsius cooler (nearly 20% Fahrenheit) than the previous week. Highs ranged from the upper 70s (upper 80s Fahrenheit), to the lower 20s Celsius.
The temperatures in Spain and France will rise to a peak of about 30 degrees Fahrenheit (or a little above) by Wednesday and Tuesday.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures as high as upper 30s are likely to be experienced around Madrid. In France, the hotter temperatures may last for a couple of days but in Spain they could last longer.
The weekend rain was light – only 20mm (less that 1 inch). No rain is expected in central Spain and southwest France for the next few days.
The wind has slowed down and is expected to remain calm until at least Tuesday. This will help firefighters in their efforts to contain fires.
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France continues to be ravaged by wildfires
French authorities have confirmed that more than 222,000 people are displaced due to wildfires. Firefighters continue their battle against the flames. CNN’s Melissa Bell has the latest.
* Source: CNN
France continues to be ravaged by wildfires
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This summer, Europe has seen more wildfires that usual after the scorching heat dried out vegetation to the point where the land is like an tinderbox.
The vegetation will spread more quickly if a spark is caught. This situation is made worse by the fact that a recent wet season has brought new growth, which means there’s more kindling.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System, (EFFIS), this year the continent saw far more land burned than the average annual rate for the same time period. As of July 22, however, slightly less land has been burned across the continent compared to the previous year’s worst period.
The situation in France is, on the other hand, unprecedented. According to EFFIS, the country already has more than 300 fires burning this year compared with an average annual number of 93.
Climate change is causing a hotter and drier climate, which leads to more intense fire seasons. It also dries out the land, sucking water from lakes, rivers and the soil.
According to Meteo-France, the soil moisture in France is at its lowest level ever, even though it is still early summer.
Max Saltman, CNN’s reporter, contributed to this report.

COOPERSTOWN (N.Y.) — Although Curacao and Puerto Rico are small islands, they were able to show a massive amount of support when Carlos Beltran, Andruw J. Jones, and other elite players in the center-field position, received their Baseball Hall of Fame awards on Sunday.
The two joined Jeff Kent, the second baseman who is known for his slugging ability. They were inducted into the Hall of Fame before an estimated 12,000 people at the Clark Sports Center Cooperstown.
Jones’ speech was like a letter of love to Curacao, his native country.
Jones stated that it was not easy to reach the island from Curacao. It is more than 2,050 miles away. Jones said, “But Cooperstown is forever linked to Curacao.”
Curacao’s first Hall of Fame inductee is the long-time Atlanta Braves Outfielder. He has won 10 Gold Gloves and been a five-time All-Star. He said that he does not plan to be the last. He pointed out that players like Ozzie Albies, Kenley Jansen and others who followed him are part of Hensley ‘Bam Bam’ Meulens legacy.
Jones’ tribute of his father Henry Jones was one of the most memorable. His father would hit flyballs to him from one foul pole pole to another to help him learn how to track the balls and to strengthen his wrists.
Jones stated, “Everything that he taught had a reason.” Henry Jones, Curacao’s legend and great footballer in his own rights was Henry Jones. Without his coaching, I wouldn’t be standing in Cooperstown today. “Dad, we made it.
Before Beltran said a single word, chants of “Puerto Rico” erupted. When he spoke of his native island, there was a roaring cheer and flags were waved.
Beltran: “I always represented my Island wherever I played baseball.” Beltran said, “I did my best to play for organizations I was a part of but I also wanted to represent Puerto Rico”.
He thanked each team he had played for for their different lessons. Most of the praise went to The New York Mets.
He said: “If people ever ask me why I choose (the Mets cap), I will have to tell them this.” “Guys, it’s simple. Your career is shaped by every organization. “New York has shaped my career.”
Beltran gave examples of the teams that he has played for. He cited watching Craig Biggio “play with pain” and Jeff Bagwell in Houston. He did not, however, mention the World Series he won with the Astros back in 2017. This title is controversial because Beltran was involved in an illegal scheme to steal signs.
Beltran didn’t directly respond to the scandal but he did make comments about those who might or might not have voted him, for whatever reason.
“To Baseball Writers’ Association of America I would like to thank you for making my a Hall of Famer. “And for those who didn’t vote for me — that saw the world differently — I also want to thank you. “I appreciate your point of view,” he replied. If baseball taught me anything, then I would like to express that in the future, I wish we could continue to judge ourselves using the same standards we used when judging others.
Beltran received 84.2% votes from the BBWAA in his fourth attempt to get into the Hall. Jones, in his ninth season of eligibility, received 78.4%. This was more than the required 75%. Kent was chosen by a smaller committee last December (the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee) after dropping from the BBWAA’s ballot in 2023.
Over his 17 year career, the 2000 NL MVP of the San Francisco Giants was a member of six different teams. He also set the record for the most home runs by a second baseman. Kent, a hard-nosed athlete, showed his softer side on induction weekend.
Kent said that he needed tissues before he could speak to wipe away the tears. He had been looking at his father and mother in the audience.
He said, “I felt more emotion for 35-40 minutes sitting than for my speech.” I thought I would be in a mess and am glad that it wasn’t a full-blown wreck.
Kent’s father made him an offer: If he got a scholarship to college, he was going to buy him a truck. Kent gave up racing motorcycles to focus on schooling and baseball. He eventually won a full scholarship at the University of California Berkeley.
He got back a truck that he has today.
Kent explained that the “simple thing” can have a profound impact on your life.
___

CHICAGO — During her press conference before the All-Star Game, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert avoided answering directly when asked if she expected to still be in charge of the league by 2027. Engelbert stated, “I feel so fortunate to be the commissioner of this league at this time of incredible growth.” “I’ll just keep doing my job and executing the strategy, because it has been working.”
Engelbert has left his full comment:
“I am blessed beyond measure to lead this league in this period of incredible growth. I’m so grateful that our players represent the values the W strives for. It is my responsibility to continue doing what I am currently doing, and execute this strategy. Listen to your players and communicate with them.
I love the league. “I am blessed for the previous career and the current career. The team that we have built in the league is what I’m most proud of. When I started, there were only 12 employees at the League. There were also probably 12 for the previous 24 years. Now we have over 100 full-time workers. There are many others who help us. The NBA model is also used. We’ve got a huge capability in social and digital. WordPress, engineers and marketers, brand, and data analysts, and data scientists are all part of our team.
It’s my greatest pride. Our team is a real powerhouse and I’m proud to be the leader of that group. My goal is to continue growing this sport and to inspire young girls to play sports. It’s this that keeps me motivated. It’s been amazing to have the Nike National EYBL Players here. I spent so much time with them during WNBA Live, and in the hotel. They really showed me how they see this league and their role models. It’s amazing how many players come to me to say Cathy, I would like you to draft in 2033-2034. I am just like a boy. “They’re so excited about the league and it’s really what motivates me.”
Engelbert is in charge of the WNBA since 2019. She was the first “commissioner” in the history of the WNBA (previously the top executive in the league was a president). She has been criticized for her leadership, despite the fact that she oversaw significant growth in her time as commissioner.
We have the best athletes in the world. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx player and former NBA star said in September that the team has the worst leaders in the entire world.
Adam Silver: NBA and WNBA have ‘ongoing conversations’ regarding Cathy Engelbert as commissioner
Lindsay Gibbs
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner at the NBA Summer League press conference earlier in this month was asked to comment on Engelbert’s prospects. Silver said he is “pleased” by the growth of the WNBA, but added there will be “ongoing discussion” about Engelbert. Silver’s complete comments are below:
So Cathy, you and I work together. I’m not going to say anything for Cathy. The WNBA has come a long way. I am very happy with the progress. Under her leadership, we’ve seen tremendous growth over the past few years. We’re again off to a strong start this season.
My sense is that I felt the same way. I worked behind the scenes during the collective bargaining, and I am pleased with the League’s conduct as well as the Players Association. We needed to reset the economy, I believe. I get the impression from speaking directly to the players, that they’re happy with the result.
I believe Cathy is doing a great job in building this league. The future will be discussed in detail.
A report by ESPN just before All-Star Weekend quoted “high-ranking sources” from the teams who believe that this is Engelbert’s final season as manager.
One anonymous owner said to ESPN, “I haven’t seen any changes [since Collier made his comments].” I don’t believe she has learned much from her mistakes.
Nneka OGWUMIKE, the WNBPA President on Friday expressed her empathy to Engelbert. She also said it was not up to her whether she would remain as Commissioner. She did not seem satisfied with current circumstances.