Over 20 aircraft have been deployed to fight new fires west of Bordeaux, France, while Spanish firefighters fear two major fires could merge west of Madrid. Scientists warn that climate change is fueling more extreme wildfires across Europe.

French authorities evacuated another 4,000 people from Atlantic coast resorts, adding to the 220,000 already displaced by a massive wildfire in southwestern France. The Gironde blaze has burned an area four times the size of Paris.

In Spain, thousands of residents were allowed to return home after firefighters contained major blazes, but authorities remain on alert for a fourth summer heatwave with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C (104°F).

The EU is purchasing its own permanent firefighting fleet as wildfires become more extreme. "Climate change is accelerating. So, our response must evolve just as quickly," said Hadja Lahbib, the EU's Crisis Management Commissioner.

Scientists say climate change is intensifying wildfires across Europe, extending fire seasons and making blazes harder to control. The bloc called for greater investment in forest management and wildfire prevention.

Source: www.dw.com