A massive wildfire in the Gironde department of France has rapidly expanded, increasing its area sixfold in just three hours. As of now, 500 firefighters are on the scene, with substantial reinforcements expected to arrive Thursday, according to reports.
The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday near Bordeaux, has consumed over 2,000 hectares of forest land. In total, approximately 12,000 residents and tourists have been evacuated from the Landes de Gascogne forest area, which had already suffered significant damage from fires in 2022.
Starting Wednesday evening, the need to protect the public prompted the preventive evacuation of more than 10,000 individuals from eight campgrounds and holiday centers in this popular tourist region, as confirmed by the prefecture on Thursday morning. Additionally, over a thousand residents living on the outskirts of the forests in multiple municipalities have also been evacuated.
Nine towns, including Lège-Cap-Ferret, Lacanau, and Bordeaux, have established reception centers where more than 2,500 people have found shelter.
Currently, about 500 firefighters are actively battling the flames, supported by 150 ground vehicles and aerial assistance that includes two Dash aircraft, two Canadair planes, and four Air Tractor planes. The fire, which began in Saumos on Wednesday afternoon, has spread to Le Porge and is advancing toward Lège-Cap-Ferret, located north of the Arcachon basin. The flames are progressing rapidly through a dense pine forest, reaching heights of several dozen meters, and multiple roads are blocked.
On Wednesday evening, Gironde’s prefect, Sophie Brocas, urged the public to adhere to evacuation orders to allow firefighters to focus their efforts on combating the blaze. “There is no imminent danger, but action must be taken now,” she stated.
Fire Cause
According to Marc Vermeulen, director of the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS), the fire is in a convective phase and spreading in all directions. The affected area has increased by about 600 hectares overnight, extending over 15 kilometers, as reported by the prefecture.
Le Porge’s mayor, Martial Zaninetti, indicated that the fire may have been triggered by a deforestation machine. The gendarmerie has also noted an accidental cause is a possibility, pending further confirmation.
In response to the ongoing situation, the Gironde prefect has prohibited all forestry work utilizing thermal engines in the department while it remains under a red alert for wildfires. This ban is effective throughout the day, as such activities were authorized until 1 PM.
Stricter Penalties
Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives while combating another fire near Bordeaux-Mérignac airport on Tuesday. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez visited the grieving families on Wednesday, while unions have criticized the lack of resources and highlighted the exhaustion among firefighters.
According to the government, there have been over 12,500 wildfires since the beginning of the year, burning 44,000 hectares—more than in 2022, when over 30,000 hectares were consumed in the Landes de Gascogne forest, necessitating the evacuation of around 50,000 individuals.
In light of the recent surge in wildfires, the Bordeaux Public Prosecutor’s Office announced a tightening of legal actions against fire use in forest areas, particularly targeting the disposal of cigarette butts.
