France forest fire forces manege to release 95 horses

A fast‑moving forest fire in the Les Landes region near Bordeaux prompted the evacuation of around 23,000 residents from Biscarrosse. The blaze has burned more than 2,600 hectares, damaged 105 houses and forced local authorities to check the safety of remaining inhabitants.

When the fire approached a riding school that housed 95 horses, the owners released the animals to run for safety. Video captured the horses sprinting across the road amid smoke, while motorists filmed the scene. It is unclear whether the horses have since been corralled.

The incident highlights the combined human and animal impact of the wildfire, which has been raging for several days in southwestern France.