French authorities have initiated a full evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula, a highly sought-after holiday destination on the Atlantic Coast, as a major wildfire threatens the area. The comprehensive order underscores the critical nature of the blaze, which is currently impacting numerous valuable properties and is packed with tourists enjoying their summer breaks in campsites and rental accommodations.
The operation saw boats deployed to remove individuals from the peninsula, while those remaining were instructed to leave either by sea from designated piers or via the single road connecting the area to the mainland. Sophie Brocas, the prefect for the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, confirmed that these evacuations took place between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time on Friday. The fire has already consumed an estimated 8,700 hectares and continues to spread.
French President Emmanuel Macron has formally requested assistance from the European Union to bolster the country's firefighting capabilities. Macron announced on Friday that France would soon receive reinforcements, including two Croatian Canadair aircraft, two Portuguese Air Tractor planes, and two heavy Black Hawk helicopters from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, highlighting the intensifying battle against wildfires across the nation.
The situation in southwestern France is further complicated by another substantial wildfire that ignited on Thursday afternoon near Biscarosse, approximately 40 kilometres south of Cap Ferret. This blaze, which remains uncontrolled, has already devastated 2,500 hectares and led to the evacuation of over 23,000 people from the Biscarosse district, including residents of campsites, homes, a children's summer camp, and a residential care home for the elderly. Gilles Clavreul, the prefect for the Landes area, described the situation as "highly dynamic and unfavourable" due to prevailing winds.
Europe has experienced three consecutive heatwaves this season, leading to severe drought conditions, strained water supplies, and extremely dry vegetation. This has contributed to wildfires scorching more land this year than the annual average over the past two decades, with the intense heat also being linked to thousands of deaths. France, in particular, has been severely affected, placing significant pressure on its emergency services.