Cap Ferret wildfires force evacuation of up to 44,000 people in Gironde

A massive wildfire broke out on Tuesday in the Saumos area of the Gironde department, southwestern France, quickly spreading across the Cap Ferret peninsula. The blaze has consumed more than 10,000–12,000 hectares of forest, destroyed dozens of homes and threatened the tourist region around Arcachon Bay.

Authorities ordered a full evacuation of the peninsula. Around 40,000‑44,000 residents and visitors were moved, many by boat from Cap Ferret to the nearby town of Arcachon. Over 400 people were transported by sea in the first wave, and total evacuees topped 20,000‑44,000 as the operation continued.

Two firefighters were killed near Bordeaux Airport; no other injuries were reported. French President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as "very tense" and called on citizens to remain vigilant. Interior Minister Laurent Núñez announced that aircraft from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Slovakia would be deployed to assist French firefighting efforts. The European Union has also coordinated additional support.

The fire’s intensity is attributed to extreme heat, strong north‑easterly winds, and dry conditions, underscoring the growing impact of climate‑driven fire risk across southern Europe.