Massive Wildfires in Gironde and Bordeaux Prompt Evacuations and Emergency Response

Severe wildfires have devastated the Gironde and Landes regions in southwestern France, resulting in the evacuation of approximately 200,000 people as of July 25, 2026. The fires, which have burned around 98,000 hectares—setting a historic record for France—continue to threaten populated areas, including the metropolitan zone of Bordeaux.

These uncontrolled fires have forced the preventive evacuation of seven municipalities around Bordeaux, notably Saint-Médard-en-Jalles with its 33,000 residents. Meanwhile, the city of Bordeaux is serving as a critical refuge, hosting thousands of evacuees in emergency centers, including converted gymnasiums where aid and shelter are provided.

Laurent Nuñez, the Minister of the Interior, confirmed that fire intensity lessened overnight, reporting, "Le feu a été moins virulent cette nuit, ce n'est plus un feu convectif." Firefighting efforts are reinforced by aerial support, including four Canadair planes and two water bombers, which are aiding containment. At the same time, the mayor of Bordeaux, Thomas Cazenave, has activated the metropolitan safeguarding plan to efficiently accommodate evacuees and emphasized, "Nous avons de quoi accueillir et bien accueillir."

Despite the advancing flames, Cazenave clarified that there are currently no evacuation plans for the city itself, maintaining reassurance as Bordeaux absorbs displaced populations from nearby towns such as Biscarrosse and Mimizan.

Mayor Stéphane Delpeyrat-Vincent of Saint-Médard-en-Jalles expressed how the evacuation was a long-standing fear, underscoring the anxiety faced by local officials and residents during the crisis.

Communities have exhibited strong solidarity amidst chaos, with towns like Mimizan hosting many refugees. Displaced individuals monitor the evolving situation closely, often via their mobile devices, highlighting the ongoing tension and uncertainty.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu highlighted the unprecedented scale of this wildfire emergency in France, signaling the critical challenges ahead for both firefighting personnel and affected populations.