More than 270,000 people flee 'apocalyptic' wildfires across France and Spain as Emmanuel Macron deploys army to deal with raging infernos

Wildfires have driven more than 270,000 people from their homes across France and Spain, triggering one of the largest emergency evacuations in recent European history.

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered 1,000 soldiers to confront what authorities called the most devastating blazes the nation has ever experienced.

Approximately 197,000 residents were forced out of Bordeaux as the "apocalyptic" infernos advanced towards the historic port city in the south-west.

On the exclusive Cap Ferret peninsula, holidaymakers had no choice but to escape by boat as flames closed in around them.

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Across the border, roughly 70,000 people in the Madrid region were either evacuated or instructed to stay indoors.

France's defence ministry subsequently dispatched a further 500 military personnel, raising the total deployment to 1,500 troops tasked with shielding civilians and their property from the advancing blazes.

Catherine Vautrin, the armed forces minister, said after an emergency meeting at army headquarters: "Our forces are engaged on the ground in support of the internal security forces and civil security forces as part of the state's response to a sudden, major, and unprecedented crisis, to protect people, property, and businesses."

Landes prefect Gilles Clavreul cautioned that the fires remained far from contained, noting that while increased humidity had eased conditions marginally, airborne embers were still sparking fresh hotspots hundreds of metres away.

In the neighbouring Gironde département, some 32,000 hectares, roughly three times the area of Paris, had been reduced to ash, according to Le Monde.

Spain declared a state of emergency as officials acknowledged that the wildfire bearing down on Madrid had overwhelmed firefighting resources.

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the region's president, called it "the worst fire in the history of the region."

The Spanish health ministry issued an air quality alert for the capital, warning that particulate matter levels far exceeded World Health Organisation guidelines.

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Health minister Monica Garcia urged residents to avoid outdoor exercise and remain inside where possible, advising: "If you go outside and there is smoke or ash, use an FFP2/95 mask and goggles to protect your eyes."

She also called on people to seek immediate medical help if they experienced breathing difficulties, chest pain or shortness of breath.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with both nations.

She wrote on X: "Europe stands alongside France and Spain in the face of the devastating wildfires striking them."

She added: "My thoughts are with the firefighters who bravely battle the flames and with all those evacuated."

A total of 11 aircraft and helicopters were mobilised from across the EU through the rescEU fleet.

Five planes and two helicopters were directed to France, and four planes were heading to Spain on Saturday.

Ms Garcia additionally urged the public to keep a close watch on vulnerable individuals nearby and to rely solely on official channels for updates, following all instructions issued by emergency services.

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