France: Wildfires rage in Gironde and Var, forcing thousands to evacuate

Firefighters in southern France are battling two significant wildfires that have erupted amid worsening drought conditions and a recent heatwave. The blazes have forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes and tourist accommodations.

In the Gironde department, north of the Arcachon Bay, a fierce fire has spread across more than 2,000 hectares. Authorities issued a precautionary evacuation order for approximately 7,000 additional people early Thursday, affecting six campsites and a naturist residential area. This brings the total number of evacuees in the Gironde region to at least 12,000 people, who have been moved from threatened homes and residences.

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Several re-activations of the fire marked this day, but the firefighters succeeded in containing the disaster within its perimeter.

Meanwhile, in the Var department, a separate wildfire that began Tuesday has covered 2,500 hectares. While the fire was not fully contained by Wednesday evening, its progression had stopped. The Var prefecture reported that despite several flare-ups during the day, firefighters managed to control the blaze within its perimeter. Over 1,100 firefighters, supported by aerial resources including Canadairs and helicopters, are working to contain the fire.

According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, France has experienced over 12,500 fire outbreaks since the beginning of the year, with 44,000 hectares burned. This figure already exceeds the total area burned in 2022, a year that also saw devastating wildfires in the southwest of the country. The ongoing dry conditions and heat exacerbate the risk and intensity of these fires.

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Trying to contain the fire.