French authorities have mandated the total evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula as persistent wildfires threaten the Gironde region. Hundreds of vacationers have already utilized boats to escape the area, while others are departing via the D106 road toward Bordeaux.
The fire, which ignited Tuesday in Saumos, has consumed approximately 8,700 hectares of land. While no new casualties were reported, officials confirmed two firefighters lost their lives earlier in the week near Bordeaux airport. In the Landes region, an additional 23,000 residents and visitors were forced to leave campsites, nursing homes, and residences in Biscarrosse and Parentis-en-Born.
President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as critical, confirming that aid is being coordinated through the European Union, with aircraft arriving from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Prefect Sophie Brocas has overseen the final phases of the evacuation, ensuring that security measures are in place to protect vacated properties from potential looting.
Across the border, Spain has declared a national emergency as uncontrollable wildfires burn near Madrid. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska noted that while the spread of these fires has slowed, the situation remains dangerous in areas such as Villa del Prado and Burgohondo.
