More than 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as massive wildfires continue to spread across parts of Spain and France, with both countries deploying additional resources to battle the fast-moving blazes.
The fires, which have burned for several days, have destroyed vast areas of land near Madrid in Spain and Bordeaux in France, forcing large-scale evacuations and overwhelming emergency responders.
French authorities say nearly 98,000 hectares have been destroyed in what has been described as a historic wildfire season, while fires in Spain have consumed about 25,000 hectares.
France has evacuated at least 167,000 people, while more than 45,000 residents have fled affected areas in Spain.
Another 20,000 people have been advised to remain indoors as smoke and flames continue to threaten communities.
Emergency shelters have been opened in schools and public buildings to accommodate displaced residents and tourists.
French President Emmanuel Macron has deployed 1,000 soldiers to support firefighters near Bordeaux and ordered a military transport aircraft capable of dropping fire retardant to join firefighting efforts.
Spain has also declared a national emergency, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez saying saving lives remains the government's top priority.
Both countries have requested and received assistance from the European Union, including firefighting aircraft from neighbouring nations.
Officials say strong winds, prolonged drought and successive heatwaves have fuelled the fires, while scientists continue to warn that climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and more severe across Europe.
No civilian deaths have been reported so far, although two French firefighters lost their lives earlier this week while battling the blazes near Bordeaux.
Authorities say efforts to contain the fires are continuing around the clock as thousands remain displaced.
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