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France: Over 25,000 evacuated as wildfires rage on Atlantic coast and in south
🇩🇪 Germany /Disasters & Emergencies

France: Over 25,000 evacuated as wildfires rage on Atlantic coast and in south

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Over 25,000 people have been evacuated in France due to multiple large wildfires along the Atlantic coast and in the south.
  • The situation remains critical near Bordeaux, where approximately 20,000 people, primarily from campsites, were evacuated.
  • Firefighting efforts are ongoing with significant resources, including aerial support from France and other European countries, as high temperatures persist.

France is battling multiple large wildfires, particularly along its Atlantic coast and in the southern regions, forcing the evacuation of over 25,000 people. The situation remains particularly concerning near Bordeaux, a popular tourist destination.

Since Wednesday, around 20,000 people, mostly from campsites and holiday facilities, have been evacuated from the coastal area near Bordeaux. Authorities have not yet indicated when these individuals can return to their accommodations. Temporary shelters and alternative accommodations have been set up in nearby resorts, and a convention center in Bordeaux has been repurposed to house evacuees. The gendarmerie is coordinating the evacuations and securing the now-empty campsites and holiday centers.

The situation remains unfavorable, as the fire is still very active throughout the affected area.

— Prefecture in BordeauxThe local authorities described the ongoing challenges in combating the wildfire near Bordeaux.

The fire near Bordeaux has spread to cover 4,800 hectares, and the situation is described as unfavorable due to the fire's continued activity. High temperatures, reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius, are exacerbating the conditions. One firefighter has been injured, but no other serious casualties have been reported. A significant firefighting force, comprising 800 personnel, 260 vehicles, five water-bombing planes, and a helicopter, is engaged in combating the blaze. Three additional water-bombing planes are being sent via the European Union's assistance mechanism.

Today evening, our emergency services are engaged in a real fight against the wildfires.

— Laurent NuñezFrance's Interior Minister commented on the intensity of the firefighting operations.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on platform X that Croatia is sending two water-bombing planes, and the Czech Republic and Slovakia are providing helicopters to aid the efforts. Another fire is also active along the Atlantic coast south of Bordeaux, near Biscarrosse, which started when a delivery van caught fire and quickly spread to the surrounding vegetation. This fire has already burned 1,200 hectares, leading to the evacuation of 5,000 people.

In southern France, a wildfire near Pontevès, northeast of Marseille, reignited after firefighting efforts had brought it under control. Approximately 500 residents from several villages were preemptively evacuated, though some were allowed to return in the evening. Around 800 firefighters, supported by over 100 soldiers, are battling this blaze, also utilizing water-bombing aircraft. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez emphasized the intense struggle against the fires and expressed the nation's support for those working to protect citizens, property, and forests.

To all those fighting the flames, to protect the French people, their property, and our forests: the nation stands with you.

— Laurent NuñezThe Interior Minister expressed solidarity with the emergency responders.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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