Wildfires merge near Madrid, displacing residents

Two major fires near Madrid merged on Friday, later combining with a blaze in Ávila, forcing Spain to declare a national fire emergency for the first time.

Fire has scorched 77,000 hectares in central Spain, and nearly 90,000 people have fled their homes in three provinces.

In southwest France, more than 250,000 people have fled wildfires in the Bordeaux wine region.

Retiree Elvira Menéndez, 79, fled Chapinería and is staying at a shelter in Villaviciosa de Odón, worried about a family whose house burned down.

Evacuee Rocío Domínguez fled with only the clothes on her back, leaving behind all belongings and memories.