Wildfire forces evacuation of France's Cap Ferret peninsula

A wildfire that swept across the Cap Ferret peninsula forced the evacuation of every resident and business on the strip of land between Arcachon Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The fire, which was described as “fast‑moving” by local authorities, destroyed dozens of homes and threatened the historic fishing villages that line the coast. Residents were given a short notice to leave, and emergency services set up temporary shelters on the mainland.

Firefighters from the regional fire department and national emergency units—totaling about 700 personnel—worked around the clock to contain the blaze. They deployed aerial water drops and ground crews to create firebreaks, while the French Civil Protection coordinated with local municipalities to manage the evacuation and provide medical support. The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to strong winds and dry conditions that had prevailed in the area over the past weeks.

The incident has prompted a review of fire‑risk management in the region, with officials calling for increased monitoring of vegetation and improved emergency response protocols. While the damage to property is still being assessed, authorities have confirmed that all evacuees have been accounted for and are being housed safely. The peninsula remains closed to the public until the fire is fully contained and the area is declared safe for return.