French authorities today ordered the emergency evacuation of the entire Cap Ferret peninsula, a popular tourist destination on France's Atlantic coast in the west, due to a severe wildfire. According to local authorities, over 400 people have left the peninsula by boat.
The comprehensive evacuation order for this area, which features valuable properties and hosts many summer tourists, underscores the wildfire's severity. The blaze has already consumed 8,700 hectares and continues to spread, representing just one of numerous fires raging across France.
Firefighters, supported by aircraft, are racing to control the blaze.
Wildfire on the Cap Ferret peninsula, western France, july 23. Video: X/Infos Francaises
Across Europe, three consecutive heatwaves this summer have exacerbated drought conditions, stressing water resources and parching vegetation. This has led to wildfires consuming areas larger than the annual average of the past two decades. The heat is also believed to have caused thousands of deaths.
France is among the most severely affected nations, as extreme heatwaves place significant pressure on its response capabilities.
"Our security forces are truly entering the fight against wildfires. The entire nation stands with you", Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated on the evening of july 23.
Pressure on firefighters in southwest France intensified as another wildfire erupted on the afternoon of july 23 near Biscarrosse, approximately 40 kilometers south of Cap Ferret. According to Landes Prefect Gilles Clavreul, this fire remains uncontrolled and has consumed 2,500 hectares.
"Winds are still blowing strongly, and the situation continues to evolve very rapidly in an unfavorable direction", he said.
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Firefighters battle a wildfire on the Cap Ferret peninsula, july 23. Photo: *Reuters*
Over 23,000 people have been evacuated from Biscarrosse, primarily from campsites and residential areas. A children's summer camp and an elderly care facility were also evacuated.
Clavreul also urged farmers to support firefighting efforts by mobilizing water tankers.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced he had requested assistance from the European Union (EU). "France has requested the activation of the EU's civil protection mechanism. We will soon receive two Canadair firefighting aircraft from Croatia, two Air Tractor aircraft from Portugal, and two heavy Black Hawk helicopters from the Czech Republic and Slovakia", Macron wrote on social media platform X.
Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)
