More than 10,000 tourists have been forced to flee a wildfire in the popular French holiday destination of Arcachon Bay, with reports of a terrifying 'fire tornado' causing chaos. The blaze has torn through the commune of Saumos in Nouvelle-Aquitaine's Gironde department, threatening the tourist hotspot.
Evacuation and Scale of the Fire
Nearly 12,000 residents and tourists have been evacuated in total, many from nearby campsites. The wildfire near Lège-Cap-Ferret, southwest of Bordeaux, has already consumed 2,000 hectares of land—over 31 square kilometres (12 square miles)—since July 22, according to The Express.
Firefighting Efforts
Firefighters are battling the blaze around the clock to prevent it from reaching resort areas. Extreme heat and dry conditions have turned the forest into a tinderbox, sending thick smoke across the sky. Traffic jams have been reported on escape routes as thousands flee, leaving behind holiday parks as the fire advances.
