Spanish officials have allowed thousands of people displaced by wildfires to return home after lifting restrictions in Toledo, Madrid, Avila and Castellon.

In the Madrid region, 24,000 individuals can now go back, with lockdowns lifted for another 20,000.

Spain and France prepare for the fourth heatwave this summer, as fires continue, including one at Burgohondo roughly 150 km west of Madrid.

In south-west France, the main fires in Gironde stay stabilised despite some flare-ups, though dry winds and temperatures up to 41C are expected.

Mayor Blandine Sarrazin of Le Barp warned the situation is getting tougher after new fires and called for hyper-vigilance from all.

Sixteen departments remain under orange heatwave alert, including Landes to the south.

Special measures protect Seveso sites in Gironde linked to defence and aerospace, which handle hazardous materials for missiles and rockets.

No deaths have been noted from fires around Madrid and Castellon, yet a woman severely burned in the Los Gallardos fire in Almeria this month has died in Seville hospital.

Fourteen people perished in the Almeria fires, among them nationals from the UK, Belgium, US, France and Spain.

Fires burn in Portugal within the north-eastern Vila Real district.

Officials told broadcaster RTP of an active one-kilometre fire front, monitoring a water plant and gas depot near Valpacos.

Wildfires have started in Greece on Paros island and Trifylia town on the mainland.

Climate change raises temperatures worldwide, and Europe warms twice as fast as the global average according to Copernicus Climate Change Service.

This results in more summer heatwaves, added pressure on water supplies and stronger wildfires.