Wildfires force evacuation of 200,000 near Bordeaux, France

Around 200,000 residents have been evacuated from the outskirts of Bordeaux as a series of wildfires sweep across southwestern France. The fires, which ignited on Tuesday amid a prolonged heatwave and strong winds, have engulfed forested areas and farmland in the Gironde department, prompting local authorities to activate emergency protocols and deploy fire‑fighting units from the national guard, the French civil protection agency and neighboring regions.

Officials report that more than 150 hectares have been burned, with several villages partially destroyed and critical infrastructure, including power lines and roadways, disrupted. Evacuation centers have been established in schools and community halls, and the French Interior Ministry has urged residents to remain vigilant as weather forecasts predict continued high temperatures and gusty conditions. The operation remains ongoing, with authorities monitoring the situation and preparing additional resources to contain the blazes and ensure the safety of displaced populations.