Massive wildfires spreading across France’s southwestern Gironde region continue to challenge emergency services, while authorities warn that a new heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 40°C could further worsen the situation.
More than 2,000 firefighters have been deployed to contain the flames, which have forced over 70,000 residents to evacuate their homes over the past week.
According to regional prefect Sophie Brocas, new outbreaks were reported Tuesday in 14 areas previously affected by fires. She stressed that authorities do not yet consider the situation under control.
Eric Brocardi, spokesperson for the National Federation of Firefighters, described the battle against the flames as a “David versus Goliath” struggle, revealing that four firefighters have died in France in recent weeks. He warned that extreme weather conditions are making efforts to contain the fires increasingly difficult.
Although the city of Bordeaux is not currently under direct threat, authorities remain concerned as one fire front has been recorded only 15 kilometers from the city’s outskirts.
Operations commander Rémi Lassoureille warned of a potential risk for the Bordeaux metropolitan area, while air quality has significantly deteriorated due to heavy smoke.
Residents and tourists have reported thick smoke and ash covering parts of the city, forcing many people to wear protective masks and remain indoors. Some restaurants and cafés have temporarily suspended operations due to air pollution.
The extreme heat is affecting other parts of Europe as well. Spain is also expecting temperatures of up to 40°C, with the Madrid region among the areas hardest hit by wildfires.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the country is still experiencing difficult days but that the situation is showing signs of improvement. In Portugal, around 400 firefighters are battling a major wildfire in the eastern Guarda region.
