France and Spain wildfires: UK tourists urged to stay away as 300,000 flee

More than 300,000 people have been forced to leave their homes as wildfires tear through France and Spain, with many sleeping in sports halls and temporary shelters. Sophie Brocas, prefect of the French department of Gironde, pleaded with visitors to stay away. "I urge tourists not to come," she said, advising those already there to consider an alternative destination. The UK government has not issued a specific travel ban but advises caution, warning that access to affected areas may be restricted and roads may close at short notice. It also highlights the high risk of wildfires in France from April to October. For travellers, Anna-Marie Duthie, travel insurance expert at Defaqto, notes that if government advice changes after booking, "you may be covered for cancellation or curtailment". She says additional travel and accommodation costs may be covered "if your insurer offers this cover or you've paid to include it". In Gironde alone, more than 42,000 hectares of land have been burnt and around 240 homes destroyed. The French wildfire map gives Gironde the highest alert level, while Var is on second highest. More than a dozen fires burn across France, including on Corsica. In Spain, a national emergency has been declared in parts of Madrid and Ávila, with further wildfires reported in other inland areas. Anyone needing emergency help in either country can call 112. The UK government's advice is subject to change as events develop, and travellers are urged to follow local authorities' instructions.