Emmanuel Macron has declared that the wildfires sweeping through south-west France represent “a situation that is more difficult than at any time since the Second World War” — as more than 220,000 people flee the Gironde region and flames approach to within seven miles of Bordeaux.
Speaking to emergency workers at a crisis meeting in Bordeaux on Monday evening, the French president warned: “We must be realistic: the coming weeks will be tough, and we must persevere. The key is urgency, resilience.” A 40C heatwave is expected this week, threatening to further fan the inferno.
“Macron says wildfires are France's biggest challenge since WW2 as 220,000 flee Gironde; 42,000 hectares burned.”
The fires have already burned 42,000 hectares — an area four times the size of Paris — and left two firefighters dead and 88 injured. Laurent Nuñez, France’s interior minister, said the “unprecedented” flames have developed a “life of their own.” Bordeaux’s mayor described the blaze as the “fire of the century” that could take months to extinguish.
Fire crews are struggling to contain the flames. 2,500 firefighters, 1,500 military personnel and around 1,200 police officers have been deployed to the region. Officials said firefighters have been “overwhelmed” by the ferocity of the flames and remain “far from” bringing them under control. Volunteers, including local farmers, are towing huge water tankers to the scene.
Macron stressed the priority was saving lives: “When it’s necessary to relocate people, we relocate them. When it’s necessary to sacrifice forest or sometimes material goods, we do it.” Authorities have banned holiday camps and Scout trips in the Gironde region.
Since the blaze near Bordeaux broke out, five people have been arrested for lighting fires — accused of discarding cigarettes or lighting barbecues in the forest, setting small trees alight or launching fireworks over the highway. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on social media that 162 arrests have been made in connection with fires across France since July 6, warning that arson is punishable by 15 years in prison.
The crisis extends beyond France. In Spain, 25,000 people have been ordered to evacuate and almost 40,000 told to stay indoors. Wildfires near Madrid “slowed their advance” overnight but remain active. Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez said: “The climate emergency kills.” In total, around 360,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in France and Spain as infernos tear up neighbourhoods and forests under record-breaking temperatures.
