France, Spain Plan Economic Support as Fires Continue

Summary

Bloomberg's Rodrigo Orihuela reports on unprecedented wildfires in France and Spain, describing the scale of damage and government financial support plans. He notes the rarity of such fires in Europe and the return of heat waves, highlighting the debate over whether these events will spur greater climate policy action and prevention spending, though political divisions remain.

• France and Spain are studying economic support for regions affected by massive wildfires.
• French officials call the fires unprecedented for Europe, comparing them to typical fires in Canada and Australia.
• Spain's Avila region fire is the largest ever at about 55,000 hectares, though contained.
• Heat waves expected to return in both countries, with Spanish PM calling such events the 'new normal.'
• The Spanish government has called for a national climate deal, but opposition says now is not the time for that discussion.
• Prevention spending (forest clearing) requires investment and political will, but it is unclear if all parties are open to it.