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[INTERNATIONAL] · France · 100 sources

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Gironde Wildfire Forces 220,000 Evacuations as Fires Subside in France

A massive wildfire in the Gironde department of southwestern France has burned roughly 42,000 hectares of forest and forced about 220,000 residents to evacuate. French authorities, including Interior Minister Laurent Nunez and prefect Sophie Brocas, reported that the blaze is now largely under control after intensive firefighting efforts involving around 1,500 firefighters, army units, and aerial assets.

International assistance arrived from Australia, which sent a CH‑47D Chinook helicopter and other equipment, and from Lithuania, which deployed 40 fire‑rescue officers and specialised vehicles. The fire’s smoke plume has raised concerns for the 2026 Bordeaux wine harvest, as volatile compounds can affect grape quality. Local tourism and the regional economy have also been impacted, with officials urging caution for visitors while recovery efforts continue.

The situation remains under close monitoring, with the French government emphasizing that the wildfire season is not over and that vigilance will be maintained across the affected departments.

Entities

Australia · Bordeaux · Bordeaux wine region · Felipe VI · French Institute of Vine and Wine (IFV) · French Ministry of Tourism · French firefighters · Gironde (department, France) · Gironde department · Gironde department (France) · Hartmut Borowski · Hourtin

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