Sprawling wildfires across parts of Spain and France have prompted widespread evacuations and disruptions to everyday life for residents.
Compounded by relentless summer heatwaves, the dangerous conditions threaten to impact travel at a time when many Americans are hoping to explore Europe.
While many destinations remain open to tourism and flights to major airports continue to operate as normal, European officials have warned that these record-breaking fires may continue to burn into early November.
According to The Guardian, "a fire in the hilly terrain of Ávila, west of Madrid, has become Spain's largest on record, burning 50,000 hectares (123,000 acres)."
Meanwhile, blazes around Bordeaux in southwestern France have dealt a huge blow to French wine production and threaten a major hub for tourism.
The U.S. State Department has yet to issue an updated travel advisory for Spain or France this summer. However, travelers visiting western Europe will want to remain alert, keeping their eyes and ears open to local authorities.
"Wildfires can develop and spread rapidly, often disrupting transport and essential services with little warning. Travelers should closely monitor directives from local authorities and be prepared to adapt their plans if conditions change," said Avantika Deb, an analyst for Riskline, the award-winning data and analysis provider focused on travel.
"If an evacuation order is issued, they should leave immediately using a safe route away from the fire," added Deb.
Tourists have been among those forced to evacuate as emergency responders work to contain these historic wildfires, so travelers visiting Spain and France in the coming days and weeks should be prepared to make changes to their plans.
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