Firefighters battle wildfires in Gironde as heatwave pushes temperatures to 40°C

Firefighters in France are working around the clock to contain wildfires that have been raging in the Gironde region as a fourth heatwave is expected to push temperatures to about 40 °C on Wednesday. Regional prefect Sophie Brocas said 14 locations previously affected by the fires experienced new flare-ups on Tuesday and warned that the situation remains unsafe.

The national firefighters' federation spokesman Eric Brocardi described the effort as a struggle against overwhelming odds. About 2,000 personnel have been deployed in Gironde, where the flames have spread across the countryside between the coast and Bordeaux. Commander Rémi Lassoureille, who leads the regional response, said authorities are still concerned about potential impacts on Bordeaux and its metropolitan area, noting a recent deterioration in air quality.

More than 70,000 residents were evacuated over the past week, with an additional 4,000 tourists ordered to leave camping sites near Lacanau. In total, roughly 220,000 people have been moved from affected areas across France. Officials estimate that around 240 homes have been destroyed.

Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said the government is monitoring air pollution closely and advised people in the affected zones to stay indoors. The interior ministry reported 184 arrests since 6 July in connection with the fires, including a 23-year-old suspect in the Var region who faces up to 15 years in prison.

Nearby Spain is also expected to see similar temperatures, while Portugal has deployed 400 firefighters to combat a large fire in the eastern Guarda area. In Bordeaux, businesses such as restaurants and cafés have temporarily closed due to ash and smoke, and the hospitality sector anticipates a downturn in tourist numbers this summer.