Pakistan, July 30 -- Rain and cooler temperatures have brought cautious optimism to firefighters battling devastating wildfires in France, while Spanish authorities say major blazes near Madrid are now largely under control after days of intense firefighting efforts.

Read More: France and Spain struggle to contain massive wildfires

In southwestern France, emergency crews reported that a massive wildfire near Bordeaux had shown no significant expansion since the weekend, with the burned area remaining at approximately 42,000 hectares. Rainfall and lower temperatures have improved conditions, raising hopes that thousands of displaced residents may soon be able to return home.

Regional fire officials said crews will continue extinguishing...