A massive wildfire in southwest France has forced the evacuation of 55,000 people, increasing the total evacuations in the region to 220,000. The flames are approaching Bordeaux, known for its wine production. Spain is dealing with its own evacuations on the country’s east coast.
Strong, unpredictable winds and dry conditions are complicating efforts to control the blaze in France’s Gironde region, where Bordeaux is located. Five localities southwest of Bordeaux received evacuation orders. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the situation as unfavorable, noting the fire’s erratic advance toward Bordeaux. Nunez reported calmer conditions by the end of the night.
Pope Leo XIV urged prayers for those affected by the wildfires in France and Spain, expressing solidarity with the victims and rescue workers.
In Gironde, 42,000 hectares have burned, mainly forest and scrubland, exacerbated by heat waves. This area is seven times Manhattan’s size and four times that of Paris. Firefighters are using planes and trucks to fight flare-ups, aided by farmers delivering water for uninterrupted firefighting. Theo Hernandez, a wine grower, noted the fire’s strength and spread.
The number of firefighters grew to 2,500, supported by 18 planes and helicopters from other European countries. Soldiers and a military cargo aircraft dropping retardant are also involved. Seventy-five firefighters sustained injuries and hundreds of homes have been lost.
The fire has created virulent firestorms, a first for France, with lightning bolts sparking new fires. Gironde fire chief Marc Vermeulen likened it to confronting a hurricane. Forecast high temperatures could challenge firefighting efforts, according to Gironde prefect Sophie Brocas. Evacuees have been warned not to return until the blaze is controlled, and holidaymakers are advised to stay away.
Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave noted the fire is near Bordeaux but not yet necessitating evacuation. The city, home to 268,000 people, has opened an emergency shelter at an exhibition center for evacuees, including evacuated older adults.
A second fire in the Landes region has forced the evacuation of 36,000 people, bringing the total displaced to over 250,000 in southwest France. In southern France’s Var region, nearly 3,000 have been evacuated due to another fire.
In Spain, wildfires are out of control around Madrid, with evacuations in Valencia. A man died in a Manises wildfire, marking the first death in Spain’s latest fires. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez noted the past night had seen progress in controlling the flames.
Spain reported 76,000 evacuations, with 30,000 people confined. Evacuees expressed concern about what they might return to. Rocío Domínguez from Chapinería wondered about her home’s condition, worried about losing belongings and memories.
The article includes contributions from journalists in Paris, Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain, and Castel Gandolfo, Italy.