France: 110,000 evacuated as wildfire heads towards Bordeaux

The wildfire raging in the tourist region of Arcachon Bay in southwestern France has forced the evacuation of 110,000 people as the blaze intensifies and moves towards the city of Bordeaux. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the situation as "unprecedented," noting the fire's dynamic nature and its shift in direction.

The fire has already scorched 14,000 hectares, and authorities are preparing for potential evacuations within the Bordeaux metropolitan area. The airport near Bordeaux remains closed. Minister Nuñez has requested additional support from Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, including military assistance, to bolster firefighting efforts.

Sophie Brocas, the prefect of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Gironde regions, stated that national reinforcements, comprising firefighters, military personnel, medical staff, and experts, are being deployed. Residents in several towns west of Bordeaux, including Sainte-Hélène, Salaunes, Lanton, Audenge, and Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, are being alerted via phone messages to evacuate promptly.

France is grappling with a severe fire season, with over 50,000 hectares burned so far this year, nearly triple the amount recorded in the same period of 2025. Another major fire is burning in the Landes department, affecting 2,600 hectares and displacing 23,000 people, while a third fire in Var continues to advance, threatening several towns. A government crisis cell has been convened to address the escalating situation.