Gironde wildfires pick up as French region braces for new 40C heatwave

Wildfires in the Gironde region of France are escalating, prompting new evacuations as the area anticipates another severe heatwave with temperatures forecast to hit 40 degrees Celsius. Commander Rémi Lassoureille expressed concern about the western edge of the blaze, particularly its potential impact on the city of Bordeaux and its metropolitan area. By Monday evening, the situation had become so dire that holidaymakers reported an eerie quiet as people stayed indoors due to the smoky air and falling ash.

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We are frightened about the impact on Bordeaux and the metropolitan area.

Residents and tourists have resorted to wearing masks, and the smell of smoke has lingered for days. Firefighters have been recognized for their efforts, walking through markets where restaurants have closed due to ash contamination. Graham White, president of the Bordeaux British Community, noted the unusual quietness in shops and cafes, though some patrons still sat on terraces despite the smoke. He dismissed comparisons to the Great Fire of London as inaccurate.

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By Sunday evening everything had really begun to empty out... the air was 'really smoky' with bits of ash. 'People were staying indoors, so it was eerie, and very sad.'

President Emmanuel Macron visited the affected region, calling the wildfires "completely unprecedented" and the "toughest since World War Two." Health Minister Stéphanie Rist emphasized the government's vigilance regarding air pollution, advising affected residents to remain indoors. On Tuesday morning, authorities ordered the evacuation of all coastal camping sites near Lacanau, while other residents were put on alert for potential evacuation.

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The city has been very quiet... The shops, restaurants and cafes are fairly empty...

These latest evacuations add to the hundreds of thousands already displaced across France in recent days. Officials report that approximately 240 homes have been destroyed. Firefighters are actively working to contain fires that reignited across the region. A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of starting a fire in the Var region. Meanwhile, wine estate director Peggy Plouhinec noted that while her vineyards were not directly threatened, the smoke had caused her business to close over the weekend, and tourists had largely deserted the area, impacting the hospitality sector.

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completely unprecedented wildfire... the "toughest since World War Two".