Bordeaux residents struggle to breathe as wildfire smoke blankets city
Thick smoke from a massive wildfire in southwestern France has shrouded Bordeaux, forcing residents to wear masks and limit outdoor activities as health warnings are issued.
On Sunday, the streets of Bordeaux bore an eerie resemblance to the darkest days of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many residents again donning surgical masks, FFP2 respirators, and homemade coverings. This time, the threat was not a virus but toxic smoke from a massive wildfire raging in the Gironde region.
Since Friday evening, a thick plume of smoke containing fine particulate matter has covered Bordeaux. Ash has settled across the city, and the smell of burning lingers. The yellow-tinged haze has not emptied the shopping streets, but residents are taking precautions.
Some reported coughing throughout the night. Claire, who bought an FFP2 mask, said: "Yesterday, when I went out to do some shopping, the air was completely unbreathable. Ash was falling on us. I spent the night coughing." Her friend Laure noted that conditions change with the wind; her dog barks when smoke thickens, signaling her to stay indoors.
Others had not left home since the smoke appeared. Mathilde and Jeanne ventured out Sunday for the first time, but warned they might leave for Nantes or Paris if air quality worsens. "We know breathing these fine particles is really bad for your health," they said.
France's health agency Anses warned that wildfire smoke releases particles that penetrate deep into the lungs, as well as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and volatile compounds. Pulmonologist Bruno Crestani noted that people downwind can be exposed for hours or days, depending on weather.
Authorities have distributed 1.5 million FFP2 masks, with another 1 million on the way, available at pharmacies and collection points.
For some, staying inside is difficult. Mickaelle, living under a roof in central Bordeaux, said: "It's already 34°C inside my apartment, but I can't open the windows because all the smoke comes in. And there's another heatwave forecast. Are we really going to have to choose between ash and heat?"
The fire is about 15 km from the Bordeaux metropolitan area. Mayor Thomas Cazenave dismissed evacuation rumors, saying it is not planned but the city is preparing for all scenarios. However, smoke and uncertainty have prompted some to leave. Tourists cut short stays, and trains north are fully booked; rail service south of Bordeaux is suspended.
Evacuees from coastal towns like Andernos are staying with friends. Gisèle, who fled with her family, worries about three cats left behind. The family has packed bags in case they need to evacuate again.
