25th July 2026

Wildfires have forced French authorities to evacuate around 200,000 people in south-west France in the Gironde and Landes regions. French ‌Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said “The fires ‌which are hitting our country have reached a level that has never ​been seen before,” Spain's government has declared a national emergency, with 25,000 people told to evacuate and almost 40,000 told to stay indoors. Eight municipalities have been evacuated, including Chapinería, Navas del Rey, Colmenar del Arroyo, Fresnedillas de la Oliva, Robledo de Chavela, Aldea del Fresno, Navalagamella and Zarzalejo. Several other towns, including San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa and Villa del Prado, remain under lockdown.  Carlos Novillo, the Madrid regional government's emergency management chief  commented that "The wildfire is at its peak and is currently beyond the capacity of firefighters to contain." The latest research indicates that across the globe air pollution caused by wildfires kills a 1.5 million people each year. Toxic fumes can reach across continents. Smoke from Australian bushfires have caused distress in South America, while smoke from Canadian fires regularly impacts cities across the US and just last year, a study attributed 22,000 early deaths in Europe to Canadian wildfire smoke in 2023, out of a total of 82,000 deaths. 

Loving God, bring you comfort and peace to people fearful of wildfires. Protect all firefights as they risk their lives to save the live and property of others. Bless all who shelter people displaced from the homes and all who support those whose homes and livelihoods are destroyed. Forgive us that that human induced changing climate patterns are exacerbating wildfires, and so help us to urgently adress the climate crisis.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

In parts of the USA temperatures are reaching 40 degrees C, over 100 degrees F. The Salvation Army is helping people cope with these extreme heat across the USA. In Central Oklahoma the Salvation Army is distributing box fans to help residents stay cool in the extreme temperatures. Traci Jinkens, director of operations for the Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma stressed the importance of the initiative, saying, that the extreme heat is "detrimental for those who are on specific medications, families, and small children."  In Tyler, Eastern Texas, the Salvation Army has opened its doors as a cooling centre, operating 24 hours a day for anyone in need of relief from the heat. Commanding Officer Robert Cortison said “When you see somebody who doesn’t have access to go into their own home for instance, they don’t have the air conditioning, the fans, and they show up. Their faces are bright red — you can tell they’re dehydrated, getting cooked. Then it’s moving past ‘come in and get comfortable.’ It’s ‘come in, and get safe,’”  

Lord God, I sing of your greatness and majesty

and worship you for all that you are.

You are the King of heaven and earth,

the judge of all,

the One who has created all that is, out of nothing.

You hold the universes in the palm of your hand.

I cannot begin to understand how great and amazing you are.

As I think of your glory and power,

it seems incredible that you could be bothered

with all the stuff of my little life;

yet you encourage me to come to you

to find mercy and grace,

and your strength and guidance

to help me in my need.  

I thank you that your word is right and true,

that you are faithful, just and righteous,

and that the earth is full of your unfailing love.

Great and wonderful God, 

I celebrate your eternal goodness,

thanking you for your constant love.  Amen.