BBC NEWS/ French authorities have evacuated more than 20,000 people and ordered a further 8,800 residents and holidaymakers to leave their homes and campsites as rapidly spreading wildfires continue to engulf parts of the Gironde region in south western France.
The fires have already destroyed about 3,400 hectares (8,400 acres) of land around the Bay of Arcachon, where approximately 700 firefighters supported by aircraft are battling the advancing flames.
Gironde prefect Sophie Brocas said around 10,000 visitors staying at campsites on the Lège Cap Ferret peninsula were evacuated overnight, while additional precautionary evacuations were carried out in the village of Claouey. She said no injuries had been reported and confirmed that several roads and forest areas had been closed because of the continuing fire threat.
Gironde Fire Service chief Marc Vermeulen said crews worked continuously through the night but warned that rising temperatures and strengthening winds were making the situation increasingly unpredictable.
“The work was relentless all night,” Vermeulen said, adding that changing wind conditions would make the fire more difficult to contain during the afternoon.
The latest fires come only days after two firefighters were killed while battling another blaze near Bordeaux Airport, prompting Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to pay tribute to the victims and express support for their families.
Residents described dramatic scenes as smoke darkened the sky and ash fell across communities. Yassmina de Freitas, a 19 year old resident of the coastal town of Le Porge, said her family was evacuated after smoke thickened rapidly on Wednesday evening, forcing them to leave behind several pets they could not find before departing.
Elsewhere in France, authorities in the Var region allowed evacuated residents to return briefly to inspect their homes but warned that strong winds could cause fires to reignite.
Wildfires have also continued to spread across southern Europe. In Italy, firefighter Alessandro Marchi died while tackling a blaze in San Cataldo, Sicily, while another firefighter was injured. Sicilian Civil Protection chief Salvo Cocina said more than 350 fires, including 10 major wildfires, had been recorded across the island, leading to precautionary evacuations. Officials said most of the fires were caused by human activity.
In Spain, residents have begun returning to their homes near Almorox, south of Madrid, after firefighters prevented a major wildfire from expanding. Authorities said approximately 890 hectares (2,200 acres) had been burned, while Spain’s largest wildfire of the year in Guadalajara province scorched more than 35,000 hectares before residents were allowed to return.
Scientists say prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions have increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires across Europe. The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported earlier this year that Europe remains the world’s fastest warming continent, with wildfire burned areas and fire related emissions reaching record levels in 2025.
Leave a comment