Wildfire nears Lège-Cap-Ferret, forcing 20,000 evacuations

A significant wildfire continues to rage in France's Gironde department, having already consumed 3,100 hectares of forest north of the Arcachon basin. The blaze is now approaching the densely populated area of Lège-Cap-Ferret, raising serious concerns for residents and tourists.

Sophie Brocas, the prefect of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Gironde, described the weather conditions as "unfavorable," citing "unpredictable and erratic winds" that are fanning the flames. More than 700 firefighters from Gironde and neighboring departments are deployed, working intensely to contain the fire's rapid spread. The fire, which started Wednesday in Saumos, quickly moved towards Le Porge and is now threatening the more urbanized Lège-Cap-Ferret.

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The meteorological conditions remain unfavorable.

Fueled by strong winds, the fire is progressing rapidly through dense pine forests, with flames reportedly reaching tens of meters high. Several roads have been closed to facilitate firefighting efforts. Authorities are investigating the cause, with early indications pointing to an accidental ignition from a brush-clearing machine in Saumos.

This latest fire comes four years after the Gironde region experienced devastating wildfires that destroyed over 30,000 hectares, marking the largest recorded fire in France at that time. The current situation has led to the evacuation of over 20,000 people from their homes and tourist accommodations as the fire encroaches on inhabited areas.

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unpredictable and erratic winds