Authorities in the Gironde region of south-west France have ordered the complete evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula, a popular tourist destination, as persistent wildfires continue to devastate the area. Hundreds of residents and holidaymakers have been forced to flee, with many escaping by boat from four designated piers between 06:00 BST and 09:00 BST today, Friday. Others were directed to leave via the main road leading towards Bordeaux.
The blaze, which originated in Saumos on Tuesday, has been raging for several days and continued to advance overnight, consuming an estimated 8,700 hectares (approximately 21,500 acres) of land. Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives on Tuesday while tackling the inferno near Bordeaux's airport. Officials confirmed this morning that no new injuries have been reported.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the escalating crisis on Thursday night, characterising the wildfire situation in the country, particularly in the Gironde region, as "very tense." In response to the severity, President Macron has formally requested assistance from the European Union. Support is expected to arrive soon in the form of aircraft from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia to aid in the firefighting efforts.
The decision to initiate the "final phase" of the evacuation was made by the region's prefect, Sophie Brocas, early on Friday morning, underscoring the critical nature of the situation. The rapid spread of the fire, coupled with high temperatures and dry conditions, has made containment extremely challenging for the emergency services.
Meanwhile, the wildfire crisis is not confined to France. Neighbouring Spain has also declared a national emergency as multiple wildfires burn out of control in areas close to the capital, Madrid. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed that firefighters are battling blazes in Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias in the Madrid region, as well as at Burgohondo in Ávila, highlighting a broader regional challenge with extreme weather conditions.