Wildfires continued to spread across France and Spain on Sunday, threatening communities, disrupting transport and forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes as authorities struggled to contain multiple major blazes.
In France, fires advanced toward the outskirts of Bordeaux after ravaging parts of the Gironde region, while Spain faced its largest wildfire in recent history in the province of Avila alongside several other active fires.
Authorities said more than 220,000 people had been evacuated in France, while more than 75,000 people had been evacuated in Spain and a further 30,000 ordered to shelter in place.
French firefighters worked to stop flames from reaching Bordeaux, with Mayor Thomas Cazenave saying the fire was about 15 kilometres from the city's entry points.
Police carried out overnight door-to-door evacuations in the municipalities of Marcheprime and Cestas as the wildfire continued to spread.
The rescue operation in the Gironde region involved thousands of firefighters, military personnel and police officers, while dry vegetation and strong winds complicated efforts.
The fire also disrupted transport, with sections of the A63 motorway closed and air traffic restrictions affecting commercial flights at Bordeaux Airport.
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited fire-affected areas in Avila, where more than 50,000 hectares have been devastated.
A separate wildfire in Castellon entered the Sierra de Espadan natural park, with regional authorities warning that adverse weather conditions continued to hamper firefighting operations.
European countries mobilised assistance under the European Union's civil protection mechanism.
Greece and Italy each deployed two Canadair firefighting aircraft to Spain, while Portugal sent more than 100 military personnel and equipment.
Spanish authorities also said two additional aircraft from Turkey would arrive as soon as possible.
Sanchez said his government would declare a civil protection emergency for the worst-affected central provinces, unlocking additional recovery funding.
Elsewhere in Europe, firefighters continued battling major blazes in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park, while wildfires in Italy disrupted roads, rail services and tourist areas.
Pope Leo expressed solidarity with those affected in France and Spain and called for prayers for affected communities and emergency workers.