Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Wildfires Subside Near Bordeaux, Madrid; Greece Still on Alert
Wildfires in Europe were very bad this summer because it was hot and dry.
On July 31, firefighters stopped big fires near Bordeaux in France and Madrid in Spain, so many people could go home.
But in Greece, especially on the island of Crete, fires are still burning and people had to leave their homes.
The air is full of smoke that can hurt people’s lungs.
Scientists say the heat and dry weather are getting worse because of climate change.
Wildfires near Bordeaux and Madrid were contained, lifting evacuation orders for 144,000 residents.
Fires continue in Greece, with Crete evacuating about 2,000 tourists and residents amid strong winds.
Western Spain remains on alert; around 1,000 residents in the Madrid region are still displaced.
Europe’s average temperature on Friday was 24.9 °C, 3.3 °C above the 1961‑1990 norm, underscoring climate change effects.
Smoke and ash have exposed millions to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), raising health concerns.
- Who
- European authorities and emergency crews
- What
- Wildfires near Bordeaux and Madrid were brought under control, while fires continue in Greece
- When
- Friday, July 31, 2024
- Where
- Bordeaux, France; Madrid, Spain; Crete, Greece; other parts of Spain
- Why
- Record-breaking heatwaves and drought made vegetation highly flammable, exacerbated by climate change
- Evacuation orders lifted
- 144,000 residents
- Wildfire containment
- Bordeaux and Madrid
- Continued fires
- Crete, Greece
- Average temperature
- 24.9 °C
- PM2.5 concern
- Health risks
- Strong winds
- up to 115 kph