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France sends 500 more soldiers, millions of masks to fight unprecedented wildfires
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Disasters & Emergencies

France sends 500 more soldiers, millions of masks to fight unprecedented wildfires

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • France is deploying an additional 500 soldiers to combat two major wildfires in the southwest, bringing the total military contingent to over 1,000.
  • 1.5 million FFP2 masks are being sent to protect emergency teams and smoke-exposed residents.
  • The fires, described as unprecedented, have forced the evacuation of over 141,000 people and are exhibiting extreme behavior, including "convective fire" phenomena.

France is bolstering its response to two massive wildfires in the southwest by deploying an additional 500 soldiers, pushing the total military presence to over 1,000 personnel. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the deployment, along with the dispatch of 1.5 million FFP2 masks, to protect emergency responders and residents affected by the smoke. The measures were announced following a government crisis meeting.

The fires that affect the country have reached an unprecedented level.

— Sébastien LecornuPrime Minister Lecornu described the severity of the wildfires in a social media message.

Lecornu described the fires as reaching an "unprecedented" level, with over 141,000 people already evacuated from the Gironde and Landes departments. Further evacuations are anticipated where necessary. The fire in Gironde, which has consumed at least 19,000 hectares near the Arcachon Bay, is exhibiting a "convective fire" phenomenon. This behavior, characterized by self-generated winds that accelerate spread and cause abrupt changes in direction, is something French civil security specialists have not previously encountered.

The fire in Landes, further south, has burned over 3,000 hectares. Preventative evacuations are ongoing in villages threatened by the uncontrolled advance of the flames. The government's priority is protecting human lives, with no risks being taken regarding safety. Protective measures are also being implemented around industrial sites classified as Seveso due to hazardous materials.

convective fire

— Sébastien LecornuPrime Minister Lecornu explained the extreme behavior of the fire in Gironde.

In addition to military reinforcements, the government is mobilizing the Armed Forces Health Service for vulnerable populations and deploying eight new mobile police and gendarmerie units to aid evacuations. Local authorities can requisition public works machinery and public transport to support reinforcements and evacuation operations, especially as the fire advances toward Bordeaux. A "white plan," an emergency hospital protocol for mass casualty situations, has also been activated in healthcare facilities.

no risk will be taken in terms of security

— Sébastien LecornuPrime Minister Lecornu emphasized the government's commitment to safety during the crisis.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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