Actor George Clooney and his wife, human rights attorney Amal Clooney, have left their residence near the French town of Brignoles as a wildfire spread through the area. Officials confirmed the departure on Thursday, noting that the couple decided to exit their estate as a safety measure, even though an evacuation was not strictly mandated.
The blaze, which ignited on Wednesday night, has scorched approximately 130 hectares of land. While more than 600 individuals were initially displaced, most were cleared to return by Thursday. Emergency efforts remain ongoing with 270 personnel and four helicopters battling the flames. Unfortunately, four firefighters sustained injuries during the operation.
In a message to the mayor of Brignoles, the Clooneys expressed uncertainty regarding the fate of their property while affirming their solidarity with the local community. The couple, who share nine-year-old twins, own the 170-hectare Domaine du Canadel, which features an 18th-century manor and extensive vineyards. This incident occurs during a particularly severe wildfire season for France, which has seen massive destruction in the country’s southwest.