A forest fire near Madrid is “beyond the capacity” of firefighters to contain it, Spanish officials have warned, after three fires west of the capital merged into a single blaze.

Spain’s government has declared a national emergency after fires got out of control in several areas near Madrid, prompting the evacuation of at least 30,000 people.

Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso described it as “the worst fire in the history of the region”, with the area facing a “perfect storm” of high temperatures, relentless wind and merging fire fronts.

Meanwhile, more than 110,000 people have been evacuated in southwestern France after wildfires devastated the Gironde and Landes regions.

The fire changed direction later on Friday and was heading towards Bordeaux, so more evacuations are expected. French President Emmanuel Macron has mobilized the military to help in the response.

In Spain, local emergency services said forest fires were advancing toward the municipalities of Robledo de Chavela and Fresnedillas de la Olivia, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the capital.

“The forest fire is at its peak and is currently beyond the ability of firefighters to contain it,” Carlos Novillo, head of emergency management for the Madrid regional government, told reporters.

“It is not possible to attack the fire in that area, so defensive measures are being taken,” he added.