France wildfire near Bordeaux remains ‘broadly stable’ overnight

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Bordeaux: The massive wildfire in southwestern France remained ‘broadly stable overnight’ after a major rise in flames pushed it closer to the Bordeaux metropolitan region, according to local officials.

The Gironde fire has burnt nearly 42,000 hectares and forced approximately 220,000 residents to flee the area. As the fire spread, authorities ordered further evacuations in areas surrounding Bordeaux, but the city itself was not asked to evacuate.

Extreme heat, scorched plants, and strong, fluctuating winds contributed to the fire's spread, making it difficult for firefighters to predict and manage the flames. Fire activity has occasionally been so powerful that it has developed its own weather systems, preventing firefighting operations.

More than 2,500 firefighters, supported by aircraft and military troops, were deployed to fight the fire. Hundreds of houses appeared to be burnt, and dozens of firefighters got injured. Those evacuated now have access to emergency shelters, including a large reception centre at Bordeaux Exhibition Park.

Authorities warned that despite the supposed overnight stability, the situation remained serious, with continued high temperatures and dangerous fires predicted to put pressure on rescue crews.