Wildfire near Bordeaux: critical hours ahead with new heatwave on way

The major wildfire near Bordeaux remains ‘stabilised’ today (July 28) despite several small blazes restarting overnight.

A spike in temperatures in the area on the eve of a new heatwave, with highs of 40C possible from Wednesday means the fires may pick up again if not brought under control.

Winds in Gironde will be less powerful but drier today, risking the spread of cinders to vegetated or forested areas.

The perimeter of the fire has not expanded, but numerous fires are raging within the wider sector, with several stopping and then restarting. 

Firefighters have not declared the fire ‘fixé’ (controlled), and the perimeter still has the potential to grow larger although this now seems unlikely.

In total, around 42,000 hectares have been impacted – a number that has remained stable since Sunday evening – and authorities remain fully mobilised to try and bring the blazes under control today. 

This includes the deployment of 2,500 firefighters, 1,500 soldiers, and 18 anti-fire aircraft. 

Around 220,000 residents and holidaymakers have been evacuated from the Gironde department since Thursday (July 23) due to the fire.

Elsewhere, a fire in the neighbouring Landes department was declared fixé yesterday evening, after burning 3,600 hectares. 

Authorities in the Bouches-du-Rhône department confirmed yesterday that a volunteer firefighter had died in a road accident. His vehicle reportedly veered off-road when he was driving to refuel it, leading to a fatal crash. He was alone in the vehicle. 

It brings the tally of firefighter deaths this summer to four, following the death of a first volunteer in Savoie while fighting a landslide and two professionals who died tackling a blaze near Bordeaux-Mérignac airport earlier this month.

Evacuations, economic turmoil

Disruption in the area continues today, with most high-speed TGV trains going south of Bordeaux cancelled (save for services to Agen and Toulouse) and the A63 is partly closed in both directions. 

A number of restrictions remain in place in the department, including bans on sporting and cultural gatherings and activities in certain lakes or tourist hotspots. 

Those with upcoming trips to the area are also being asked to cancel plans. 

Concerns over air quality in the department persist, with those in the area urged to check local health warnings before going outside. 

People with respiratory issues or who are affected by strong air pollution should remain indoors where possible, however if they go out they should wear an ‘FFP2’ ventilated facemask.

Around 2.5 million masks have been sent to Gironde to be distributed to people there and emergency services. 

Residents who have been evacuated from the area remain unable to return home, although an agreement yesterday between the government and France’s insurance federation means that insurers will pay for the temporary rehousing of evacuees. 

Fears over the long-term economic impact of the fire on the area are widespread, both on the tourism and industrial sectors, with many warehouses within the fire’s range. 

Part of the deal agreed with insurers also allowed for an exceptional extension to claims following the damage, which will be available until August 31 for residents and company owners unable to return home. 

Fires burn across south

The fire in the neighbouring Landes department was declared ‘fixé' by French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday as he gave an update on France’s wildfire situation in Bordeaux. 

The blaze burned 3,600 hectares of land and saw 30,000 people evacuated last week, with around 15,000 now able to return to their homes. Close to 200 buildings were destroyed.

In the Var, a wildfire originating in Pontevès has now been burning for a week, although calm conditions mean firefighters hope to bring the blaze under control today.

Following a declaration that the fire was under control at the end of the week, it reignited and now continues to burn, leading to a new round of evacuations and warnings in the area. 

There are concerns that the fire will not be brought under control today due to strong winds in the Var department. 

Other fires continue in Corsica and Hautes-Alpes, and a total 116,000 hectares have been burned across France this year already.

It makes 2026 the most destructive summer for wildfires on record, with several weeks still to go of the season. 

As a reminder, you can check all live fires using the feuxdeforet.fr map. A screenshot below shows the status of fires in France at 09:00 on Tuesday morning.