Firefighters hasten efforts to contain massive wildfires in France and Spain ahead of heatwave – Europe live

Emmanuel Macron warns that ‘we have to hold out’ as fires burn near city; Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez warns of ‘difficult hours’ ahead

• France and Spain race to contain huge wildfires before fresh heatwave begins

Madrid’s regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso said this morning that the wildfires situation is “gradually improving” and allows authorities to be a bit “more optimistic,” as she thanked the emergency services for their work.

But the central government’s delegation to Madrid cautioned that the fire was still not under control, with more progress needed today before the expected fourth heatwave hits the area.