Firefighters in France and Spain are in a race against time to control unprecedented wildfires before a significant heat wave is expected to hit both countries. A brief window of opportunity is being utilized to tamp down the flames.

In France, the southwestern region of Gironde has been particularly hard-hit, with over 14,000 hectares (35,000 acres) of forest already scorched. More than 1,000 firefighters are on the ground, supported by water-bombing planes. The region has been on high alert for several weeks, with authorities implementing restrictions on public access to sensitive natural areas.

Spain, meanwhile, is grappling with numerous fires across the country, exacerbated by a brutal heat wave that has seen temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some areas. The northeastern region of Catalonia has been severely affected, with thousands of people evacuated from their homes. The national meteorological agency has warned that the extreme heat and dry conditions are likely to persist, increasing the risk of further fires.