French authorities have ordered the evacuation of the entire Cap Ferret peninsula (Lège-Cap Ferret) on the southwest coast due to a wildfire that has been burning in the Gironde region for several days. Hundreds of residents and tourists have fled the area by boat as firefighters continue to battle the flames.
The fire began on Tuesday in Saumos and has since consumed approximately 8,700 hectares (around 21,500 acres). Meanwhile, another major fire that started on Thursday afternoon near the town of Biscarrosse in France's Landes region has forced the evacuation of more than 23,000 people. About 18,000 residents in Biscarrosse and 5,000 in Parentis-en-Born have left their homes, campsites, a nursing home, and a summer camp. An update on Friday morning reported that the center of Biscarrosse was also being evacuated.
No further casualties have been reported overnight in southwestern France, although two firefighters died earlier while tackling a blaze near Bordeaux airport.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the wildfire situation as "very tense," particularly in the Gironde region. He has requested assistance from the European Union, with support expected soon in the form of firefighting aircraft from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
Gironde prefect Sophie Brocas ordered the evacuations and stated that homes in evacuated areas would be monitored to prevent vandalism.
The wildfire crisis extends beyond France, as the Spanish government has declared a national emergency due to uncontrolled fires near Madrid.
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