Authorities in France have ordered the evacuation of approximately 20,000 people as wildfires rage across the south-western region of Gironde. The local prefect, Sophie Brocas, reported that around 12,000 individuals have already fled, with an additional 8,800 being moved from areas threatened by the flames.
The fires have devastated around 2,400 hectares (5,900 acres) near the popular Bay of Arcachon,prompting swift action to protect residents and tourists alike. Many of those affected were vacationers at campsites on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula, with Brocas noting that about 10,000 visitors were among those evacuated overnight .
Evacuations proceeded smoothly in the village of Claouey, located on the shores of Arcachon Bay. Brocas confirmed that no injuries have been reported,although several sites and roads in vulnerable forested areas have been closed as a precautionary measure. The Gironde fire service chief,Marc Vermeulen,emphasized the relentless efforts of firefighters, stating,"The work was relentless all night." He warned of rising temperatures and increasing winds, predicting challenging conditions for firefighting efforts .
The situation has been compounded by wildfires in neighboring countries,including Spain and Italy. In Spain, residents near Toledo were evacuated, while a firefighter tragically died in Sicily due to health complications while battling a blaze. The Italian Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi,paid tribute to fallen firefighter,highlighting the dangers faced by those on front lines.
Locals in Gironde have shared their experiences amid the chaos. Yassmina de Freitas,a 19-year-old resident of Le Porge, described alarming scene as smoke filled the air and ash began to fall . Her family was evacuated late Wednesday, leaving behind two cats and four chickens as they hurried to safety. "I could see the number of hectares burned rising steadily," she recounted,reflecting the anxiety felt by many in the area.
Tourists at the Lesley Pastourelles campsite in Claouey expressed their concerns as the situation escalated. Jo Kent,a BBC South presenter on holiday with her family,noted the eerie calm as the normally bustling road became deserted and the supermarket unusually quiet. Campers were advised to prepare for possible evacuation as the fires continued to spread .
In the Var region of south-eastern France, residents were allowed to return to assess damage to their properties, but authorities cautioned them to limit movement due to the risk of re-ignition as winds picked up . ongoing wildfires have been exacerbated by a series of intense heatwaves sweeping across Europe this summer,with several French departments suffering significant damage.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed deep condolences for the two firefighters who lost their lives earlier this week while combating fire near Bordeaux airport. He conveyed his "infinite gratitude" and support to their families during this difficult time .
In Italy,the situation remains dire, with over 350 fires reported on the island of Sicily, including 10 major blazes that prompted precautionary evacuations. head of the Sicilian Civil Protection,Salvo Cocina, attributed many of the fires to human causes,indicating that firefighting has become a pressing social and public order issue.
Meanwhile, in Spain,residents have begun returning to their homes after wildfires erupted in Almorox, near Toledo. Although the fires are not yet fully under control, authorities reported that about 890 hectares (2,200 acres) had been burned, with ongoing efforts to manage the situation. This week, temperatures soared above 42°C in parts of Spain, contributing to the severity of the wildfires .
The summer of 2025 has seen record-breaking temperatures across Europe, with a report from Copernicus Climate Change Service indicating that at least 95% of the continent experienced above-average annual temperatures. Last year,wildfire-burnt areas and emissions reached unprecedented levels, underscoring the growing threat posed by climate change.
