Massive wildfires are sweeping through France, forcing thousands to flee their homes. In southwestern France, a fast-moving blaze near Lège Cap-Ferret and Le Porge, west of Bordeaux, has led to the evacuation of up to 20,000 people, including thousands of tourists from campsites and holiday resorts. The fire, which ripped through a dense pine forest, has scorched between 2,000 and 3,100 hectares of land. Hundreds of firefighters, gendarmes, and soldiers have been deployed to battle the flames.
The fire in the southwest began midday Wednesday near the village of Saumos and has spread rapidly toward the Atlantic coast. Local authorities reported that more than 1,000 residents along the forest edge and tourists from eight holiday camps were forced to leave. Nine municipalities have opened reception and respite centers, providing shelter for more than 2,500 evacuees as the situation remains unfavorable.
Concurrent fires are also impacting southern France. In the Var department, a wildfire that erupted Tuesday burned more than 2,500 hectares and forced 400 people to evacuate, with 1,100 firefighters working through the night to contain the blaze. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that more than 12,500 wildfires have broken out since the beginning of the year, destroying nearly 44,000 hectares of land.
These disasters follow a succession of heatwaves since May, creating tinderbox conditions and severe water stress for vegetation. Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness, leaving Southern Europe more vulnerable to these devastating fires amid record temperatures.