Pakistan, July 24 -- Spain declared a national emergency over wildfires for the first time as extreme heat intensified blazes across Europe. Meanwhile, France evacuated thousands from its Atlantic coast as fires threatened homes and communities.

French authorities ordered the full evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula, where about 63,000 people were moved to safety. Officials said many evacuees were transported by boat as flames and smoke approached residential areas.

Read more: Deadly wildfires sweep across southern Europe

According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, the Cap Ferret fire has burned around 10,000 hectares and destroyed about 50 homes. Another major wildfire in Biscarrosse also forced residents to evacuate.

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