A raging wildfire in southwest France has forced the evacuation of over 250,000 people across multiple regions, with flames threatening the wine region city of Bordeaux.

The blaze, which burned an area four times the size of Paris, has been exacerbated by shifting winds and arid conditions, making containment efforts extremely challenging.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the situation as 'very unfavorable,' noting that the fire generated its own winds and advanced unpredictably toward Bordeaux.

Firefighters, supported by 18 planes and helicopters from across Europe, have mobilized over 2,500 personnel to combat the flames, while soldiers and civilians alike have contributed by delivering water to crews.The disaster has also impacted neighboring Spain, where wildfires in Madrid and Valencia regions displaced tens of thousands.Pope Leo XIV called for prayers for victims, highlighting the scale of the crisis.Evacuees face uncertainty about their homes' condition, with some describing the scene as 'the apocalypse.

' Authorities warn that high temperatures could further complicate firefighting efforts, and evacuees are advised against returning until the fires are fully controlled.