France wildfires scorch record 115,000 hectares; Gironde 'mega-fire' rages on

Wildfires have ravaged 115,000 hectares across France so far this year, surpassing previous historical records, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The minister stated that between 30 and 40 fires are occurring daily, describing the situation as unprecedented for the country.

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Every day, between 30 and 40 fires occur.

The "mega-fire" in the Gironde region, southwest France, is of particular concern. This "completely erratic" blaze is characterized by its high intensity, creating its own winds and changing direction abruptly. It has already consumed 42,000 hectares and is far from being controlled. The phenomenon of pyrocumulonimbos, or firestorms, has been observed, creating "storms of fire" within the flames, a spectacle never before witnessed in France.

Authorities have evacuated approximately 220,000 people due to the Gironde fire. They warn that these evacuees cannot return home in the short term until the fire is fully contained, a process that could be complicated by expected temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius starting Tuesday. While the city of Bordeaux is not currently under threat, evacuations have occurred in its periphery as flames approach within 15 kilometers of its eastern edge.

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This is an unprecedented situation in France, with figures much higher than what had been seen until now.

Efforts continue to combat other significant fires, including one in the Landes region near Biscarrosse, which has burned 3,600 hectares. While 36,000 people were evacuated in this area, 3,000 have since returned home, with another 5,000 expected to return soon. In Var, in the southeast, a "rotating fire" has reactivated, spreading over 4,500 hectares and prompting the precautionary evacuation of 3,000 people. Fires are also active in Corsica and the Hautes-Alpes region.

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Our priority is to save human lives.