France evacuates 20,000 as wildfires spread in south-west
BBC News 2026-07-23 12:17:13
Context: In the Gironde region of south-west France, 20,000 people have been evacuated due to spreading wildfires, with 2,400 hectares of land already destroyed around the Bay of Arcachon. The evacuations, which include 10,000 visitors from campsites overnight, are being carried out as a precautionary measure, with authorities working tirelessly to contain the fires. The situation is dire, with temperatures expected to rise and winds getting stronger, making it challenging for firefighters to predict and control the blaze.
Key Facts
- About 12,000 people have been evacuated from the south-west of France, with a further 8,800 being moved as wildfires spread in the Gironde region.
- The local prefect, Sophie Brocas, reported that 2,400 hectares (5,900 acres) of land had already been destroyed around the Bay of Arcachon, with many evacuees being visitors to local campsites on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula.
- Two local firefighters died earlier this week fighting another fire close to Bordeaux airport, and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez paid tribute to them, expressing his "infinite gratitude" and "unwavering support" to their families.
- In Italy, a firefighter named Alessandro Marchi died tackling a wildfire in San Cataldo, and Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi paid tribute to him, saying he had died "in service to the community".
- The Gironde fire service chief, Marc Vermeulen, warned that temperatures were rising and the wind was getting stronger, making it difficult to predict and control the fire, which was expected to peak at 20:00 and then have to deal with highly variable winds.