Authorities in south-west France have ordered the evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula as intense wildfires continue to spread across the Gironde region. Thousands of residents and holidaymakers have been instructed to leave the area, utilising hundreds of mobilised boats or the single road that connects the peninsula to the mainland.
France's Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, confirmed this morning that the largest wildfire in Gironde, which originated in Somos before spreading to Cap Ferret, has already consumed over 10,000 hectares. He stated that approximately 40,000 people have either been evacuated or are currently in the process of being evacuated due to this particular blaze. Minister Nuñez warned that the fire remains uncontrolled and continues to advance.
A second significant wildfire, described by Nuñez as 'somewhat similar' to the Gironde incident, broke out yesterday afternoon in Biscarrosse. This fire has already burned more than 2,500 hectares, prompting the evacuation of over 20,000 people. The Minister highlighted the 'highly unfavourable' weather conditions, which are severely hindering the efforts of the more than 700 firefighters deployed to tackle the blazes.
In response to the escalating situation, French authorities have formally activated the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism, seeking assistance from the bloc. Hadja Lahbib, the EU's crisis commissioner, confirmed that the EU is providing support, including the deployment of three water bomber aircraft to aid in fire suppression efforts. President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as 'very intense'.
The wildfires in France are part of a broader concerning trend across the continent, with more than 50,000 hectares burned in France alone since the beginning of the year. Neighbouring Spain is also grappling with a severe wildfire crisis, with its government declaring a national emergency over blazes near Madrid and Avila, which have forced the evacuation of over 10,000 people.