The Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for France as a wildfire continues to rage throughout southern parts of the country.
Mass evacuations near Bordeaux
More than 10,000 people were evacuated overnight from the coastal town of Lege Cap-Ferret, located close to Bordeaux. The area, home to several holiday camps, is popular with tourists.
Local authorities said the blaze has spread over more than 2,000 hectares (4,900 acres), though no injuries have been reported. Some 500 firefighters have been deployed to the Gironde prefecture to tackle the flames as "the situation remains unfavourable." The mass exodus has been described as a precautionary measure.
Reception centres and FCDO advice
Nine municipalities have opened reception and respite centres for evacuees, with more than 2,500 people taking shelter there, according to local reports.
In an update to its travel advice for France, the FCDO said: "Wildfires are affecting parts of Gironde (in southwestern France), including areas around Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret. French authorities have evacuated some campsites and tourist accommodation. Access to affected areas may be restricted. Roads may be closed at short notice."
The statement continues: "If you are already in the area or are planning to travel there, follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media, and contact your accommodation or travel provider for latest guidance. If you are affected by a wildfire or another emergency, call 18 (fire service) or 112 (emergency services)."
Wider European wildfire crisis
Many parts of Europe have seen multiple large fires this summer. A wildfire in Spain's Guadalajara region burned 32,000 hectares in one of the country’s largest recorded blazes. Spain’s weather agency, Aemet, warned the already high risk of wildfires would likely increase further in coming days.
Scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness, making the region more vulnerable to forest fires. Following a succession of heatwaves that started even before the summer, wildfires have devastated large swathes of land amid record temperatures and dry weather. Plants and other vegetation are under severe water stress, adding to the risk of blazes breaking out.
According to interior minister Laurent Nunez, more than 12,500 wildfires have broken out since the beginning of the year, and almost 44,000 hectares have already burned.
