Gironde Wildfire 'Contained' but Not 'Fixed' as Firefighters Battle Blazing Hotspots

A colossal wildfire in France's Gironde region, which has scorched an immense 42,000 hectares, continues to be "contained" but not fully "fixed" as of Saturday morning. Firefighters battled the blaze through the night, describing it as "rather mild," and noted slightly more favorable weather conditions, though the overall situation remains challenging.

Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Pitault of the Sdis 33 fire department stated that efforts are ongoing to achieve a "fixed" status for the fire in the coming days. "The fire is still not fixed, it is still contained, and we are working to move towards a fixed fire in the next few days," he explained during a press briefing. While the wind has offered some respite, high temperatures, persistent drought, and dry vegetation continue to fuel the inferno.

Active surveillance is focused on "hotspots" along the Atlantic coast, particularly in dune areas between Lège-Cap-Ferret and Lacanau. These locations present access difficulties for firefighters, complicating efforts to manage the fire's edges and extinguish remaining pockets of flame.

The Gironde prefecture reported a "stable situation" with the fire contained within its perimeter, despite persistent active sectors in Lège, Le Porge, Lacanau, Le Temple, and the Souge camp. Prefect Sophie Brocas confirmed that approximately 200,000 of the 220,000 people evacuated since the fire began have been permitted to return to their homes. Residents of Arès, a coastal town in the Arcachon Bay area, were allowed to return starting Saturday afternoon.