Gironde megafire contained; nearly 3,000 firefighters remain deployed
The vast wildfire near Bordeaux has been contained, allowing most of the 200,000 evacuees to return home. Firefighters remain on site as some parts of the blaze are still burning.
The large wildfire that has been burning near Bordeaux, in the Gironde department of southwestern France, is now considered contained. Most of the 200,000 people who were ordered to evacuate have been allowed to return home. However, the operation is far from over: nearly 3,000 firefighters remain deployed in the area, and some parts of the fire are still active.
The blaze has devastated an area roughly four times the size of Paris. Entire forests and agricultural land have been reduced to ash, changing the landscape of the region. Local roads and services are gradually being reopened as the immediate danger recedes. Still, authorities are urging caution, since hotspots can flare up again, especially if the wind picks up or temperatures rise.
The evacuations, which at their peak affected a population comparable to a medium-sized city, were among the largest emergency movements in the region in years. The fact that most residents are back home offers some relief, but the task of fully extinguishing the fire is expected to take more time. Firefighters continue to patrol the perimeter, strengthen firebreaks, and cool down hot zones. A full assessment of the environmental and economic damage is expected to follow once the fire is completely out. For now, the priority remains preventing any new flare-ups and ensuring the safety of the crews still working on the ground.
