British citizens have left their homes in France as huge wildfires rip through the country. Massive forest fires have forced the evacuation of 200,000 people in south-western France and central Spain as flames rage out of control.
Evacuations in Gironde and Landes
In France, 141,000 people in the Gironde and Landes departments were forced to evacuate. In Bordeaux, authorities ordered the evacuation of another 55,000 people on the outskirts of the city as firefighters tackled nearby wildfires. Laurent Nunez, France's Ministry of the Interior, said that overnight, "the fire became extremely virulent and unpredictable" in Bordeaux, where the burned area now stands at 42,000 hectares. He also confirmed "nearly 50,000 people were thus sheltered as a preventive measure to protect the population."
Residents Describe Smoke and Ash
A British restaurant owner in Bordeaux said the city is "full of smoke and ash" and residents are wearing masks if they go outside. Lance Attwood, 58, who owns Sweeney Todd's in Bordeaux city centre, said: "It's not really conducive to coming out. The town is full of smoke and ash, so there's a big drop in business, people are just walking around town in masks. Our biggest concern is people's safety and the safety of the emergency services." Mr Attwood, who has lived in the city for 25 years, said friends who had been evacuated were focusing on recovering sentimental belongings and finding alternative living arrangements. He encouraged people to donate dry food with a long shelf-life to local charities to help those affected.
Officials Urge Tourists Not to Cancel Plans
A French foreign minister, however, has urged tourists not to cancel their travel plans despite unprecedented wildfires in the country's south west. Éléonore Caroit, the minister for international partnerships, said that although France was facing an "exceptionally intense" fire season, tourists should visit as long as they remain well-informed. Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Ms Caroit said: "You have entire areas that are fine, you're seeing similar phenomena in Spain and other countries. I'm in Paris and nothing is happening, and most other regions are OK, so do please come to France and do not cancel your travel plans. But wherever you are, please do be advised as to what might be happening."
International Aid and Response
Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany, said: "The French army had been deployed to help tackle the wildfires which now number 32. I am in close contact with Emmanuel Macron. We are sending aid to the French wildfire areas to support our neighbors. Helicopters, an A400 aircraft, and helpers are on their way." In central Spain flames also raged out of control, and firefighters admitted the fires were so fast and violent that they could not be tackled head on. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said: "My thoughts are with everyone affected by the wildfires in Europe. I am in touch with my French and Spanish counterparts about the situation. British nationals should follow the advice of local authorities in the area, alongside FCDO travel advice."
