France battles 30 wildfires, with 'two ogres' in the southwest

France is struggling to contain approximately thirty wildfires, with two particularly destructive blazes raging in the southwest, specifically around the tourist hotspot of Arcachon Bay and in Biscarrosse. A separate fire has also reignited in the Var department in the south.

The fires in the Arcachon Bay area have been devastating, scorching 12,500 hectares and necessitating the evacuation of 44,000 residents and tourists. Another fire in Biscarrosse has burned 2,600 hectares, leading to the displacement of 23,000 people. Officials have described these as "two ogres of the summer," with particular concern for an "unpredictable XXL fire" spreading across the northern and coastal parts of Arcachon Bay, prompting the evacuation of the entire Cap-Ferret peninsula.

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two ogros del verano

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called the Arcachon fire the most significant of the season. It has destroyed over 12,500 hectares, 53 homes, and a campsite in the towns of Saumos, Le Porge, and Lège-Cap-Ferret. Over the past 48 hours, approximately 44,000 people were evacuated by road and sea. More than 1,000 firefighters and 260 vehicles, supported by aircraft, are battling the blaze, which remains out of control. Forecasts of wind gusts up to 80 kilometers per hour and the risk of dry thunderstorms threaten to hinder extinction efforts.

While firefighters managed to save around 2,000 homes overnight and no fatalities have been reported, 42 firefighters have sustained injuries, with nine requiring medical attention. Public facilities have been opened to house evacuees in Arcachon and Bordeaux. The situation in Biscarrosse is also critical, with the fire threatening the area since Thursday and affecting 105 homes and buildings. The evacuation of 18,000 people from Biscarrosse and an additional 5,000 from a nearby campsite in Parentis became essential after the fire, which reportedly started from an accidental vehicle fire, spread rapidly.

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the most important fire of the season