Wildfire forces 55,000 evacuations in France's Gironde region

A massive wildfire in southwest France forced the overnight evacuation of 55,000 residents on Sunday, bringing the total number of people displaced in the Gironde region to 220,000. The blaze, which began mid‑week, has spread rapidly across the countryside and is now threatening the outskirts of Bordeaux, the region’s historic wine‑producing city.

In response to shifting, gusty winds and dry conditions that have hampered containment efforts, authorities in Gironde issued new evacuation orders for five additional localities southwest of Bordeaux. The decision comes as the fire continues to advance, with firefighters and emergency services working to prevent further spread into populated areas and critical infrastructure.

The situation remains fluid, with officials monitoring the fire’s progress and coordinating resources across the region. Residents in the affected towns are urged to follow evacuation instructions and stay informed through local media and official channels.