A wildfire featuring a 'fire tornado' has swept through more than 2,000 hectares in the Gironde department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, forcing the evacuation of over 10,000 people, many of whom are tourists staying at local campsites.
The blaze tore through the commune of Saumos, near Lège-Cap-Ferret, southwest of Bordeaux, advancing to within 300 metres of homes. Around 700 firefighters, including reinforcements from Paris, have been deployed. Prefect Sophie Brocas confirmed no injuries have been reported so far.
Impact and Context
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that 12,500 wildfires have erupted across France this year, destroying nearly 44,000 hectares. The fire comes after heatwaves left forests dry and vulnerable.
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