- The fire has been burning out of control since midweek, with gusting winds fueling the flames overnight.
- 250,000 people have been driven from their homes due to the wildfires in France.
- France has deployed 1,500 soldiers to the wildfire zone after ordering an additional 500.
- The mayor of Bordeaux stated the fire is still at the gates of the metropolitan area, approximately 15 km (9 miles) from the city.
Wildfires in southwest France have wreaked havoc, forcing the evacuation of over 250,000 people as flames threaten the city of Bordeaux. The Gironde fire has consumed 42,000 hectares (103,000 acres), marking one of the largest land devastations since World War II.2
The situation escalated this week as a second fire in the Landes region prompted the evacuation of an additional 30,000 residents. The total number of evacuees now exceeds 250,000, with the Gironde fire alone displacing 220,000 people from their homes.
The city’s mayor warned that the fire is “still at the gates of the metropolitan area,” with flames advancing to within 15km (9 miles) of Bordeaux. Gusting winds have exacerbated the situation, fueling the flames and complicating firefighting efforts.4
In response to the crisis, the French government has deployed 1,500 soldiers to assist in combating the wildfires, with an additional 500 soldiers ordered to the region. Authorities are working tirelessly to contain the blazes and protect affected communities.3
“The mayor of Bordeaux said the fire is 'still at the gates' of the metro area, about 15 km from the city. France deployed 1,500 soldiers to the zone after ordering an additional 500, as gusting winds fueled the out-of-control blaze since midweek.”
