The mayor of Bordeaux, Thomas Cazenave, has confirmed that authorities are preparing for "all eventualities" as wildfires edge closer to the city, now just nine miles away.
Mass Evacuations and Casualties
The ongoing wildfires have already forced over 260,000 residents in southwestern France to evacuate their homes. The fires have consumed more than 42,000 hectares—an expanse four times larger than Paris. The disaster has claimed the lives of two firefighters, with a further 88 sustaining injuries, according to reports.
In Bordeaux, Mayor Cazenave said arrangements are being made to "accommodate a large number of people should further evacuations be ordered."
President Macron's Statement
French President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as the "most difficult situation" France has encountered since the Second World War, calling it "a completely unprecedented fire." He praised fire crews for preventing the inferno from spreading further after days of flames advancing towards Bordeaux, but warned that the battle is not yet over.
Heatwave and Weather Alerts
A looming heatwave is expected to pile more pressure on firefighters. National weather service Météo-France has placed the southwestern region of Gironde under a yellow alert for high temperatures, with the heat expected to peak on Wednesday.
Fires in Spain
In neighbouring Spain, 63,000 people near Madrid have received evacuation orders. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the disaster as "the most painful expression of the climate emergency," while Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska highlighted that the coming days will be "absolutely crucial" given the high temperature forecasts.
Ongoing Battle
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told France 2 TV that the country is battling between 30 and 40 wildfires on a daily basis. Macron and other officials warned that the battle is not yet over, with the fire still raging and another heatwave forecast for this week.
