Health warnings issued as Gironde wildfires generate toxic smoke

The massive wildfires raging on the outskirts of Bordeaux in the Gironde department and spreading into the neighbouring Landes have burned roughly 115,000 hectares. Smoke plumes laden with fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon monoxide have drifted over the region, prompting health authorities to label the air quality as hazardous.

The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) advises residents to stay indoors, seal doors and windows, avoid strenuous outdoor activity and, when exposure is unavoidable, wear properly fitted FFP2 respirators. Around 2.5 million FFP2 masks are being distributed in the southwest. Medical experts warn that inhalation can trigger short‑term respiratory irritation, aggravate asthma or COPD, and cause ear, throat or skin irritation, potentially leading to emergency‑room visits. Masks do not protect against gases such as carbon monoxide or aldehydes, so they are only a partial safeguard.