Landes wildfires: Residents return as fire burns 1,700 hectares

In the Landes region of France, authorities have allowed approximately 50 residents of Garein to return to their homes after four days of fighting a major wildfire. The blaze, which began on Thursday, has burned roughly 1,700 hectares of pine forests within the Landes de Gascogne massif.

While the intensity of the fire has decreased, officials remain cautious. Prefect Gilles Clavreul noted that the fire is not yet fully controlled, and firefighters are on high alert for potential flare-ups. The incident previously forced 650 people to evacuate the communes of Luglon and Garein. No injuries or destroyed homes have been reported thus far.

Approximately 550 firefighters, supported by volunteers and local residents, are working to secure the perimeter and prevent the fire from spreading further.