France Activates EU Civil Protection Amid Major Wildfires and Mass Evacuations

France is intensifying its response to the severe wildfires raging across the country in July 2026 by activating the European Union's civil protection mechanism. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the move, emphasizing the critical need for international assistance as multiple regions grapple with devastating fires and mass evacuations.

The assistance includes aerial firefighting resources such as two Canadair planes from Croatia, two Air Tractor aircraft from Portugal, and two heavy Black Hawk helicopters provided by the Czech Republic and Slovakia. These reinforcements aim to support French firefighters combating widespread blazes that have consumed thousands of hectares.

In the Landes department, a significant fire currently burns through more than 1000 hectares in the areas of Biscarrosse and Parentis-en-Born. As of the latest reports, over 300 firefighters are battling the blaze with reinforcements from Air Base 118 and support from 70 gendarmes to maintain safety and operational coordination. Due to the fire's progression and adverse weather conditions, Gilles Clavreul, prefect of Landes, has ordered the evacuation of 6,000 residents from the eastern and southern parts of Biscarrosse as a precaution.

Moreover, 3,000 campers from local campgrounds such as Calède, Les Cottages, Le Pison, and Le Pipiou have also been evacuated to ensure safety. The prefect activated the departmental operational center (COD) to coordinate response efforts and urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to work effectively.

In the Gironde region, the wildfires have forced tens of thousands to evacuate their homes, reflecting the scale and severity of the crisis. President Macron expressed his deep gratitude towards the firefighters and rescue workers relentlessly fighting the fires and called on citizens to remain vigilant amid the ongoing dangers.

These coordinated response efforts highlight the gravity of the wildfire situation in France and the country’s reliance on both domestic action and international solidarity to limit damage and protect communities.