France battles wildfire 4 times the size of Paris
In southwest France, firefighters are confronting a massive wildfire that is four times larger than Paris, with temperatures expected to soar to 40°C (104°F). Although the fire in the Gironde region did not expand overnight, increasing temperatures and afternoon winds may reignite hotspots and create new areas of concern. Over 2,200 firefighters and more than 20 aircraft are actively engaged, receiving assistance from both French and European allies. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that significant fires in the Landes and Var regions have been contained, leaving Gironde as the primary focus of firefighting efforts in France. Fire commander Matthieu Jomain emphasized, "We strike quickly and strike hard at any new smoke emissions." Three areas of concern are being monitored: northern Cap-Ferret, the wooded corridor near Marcheprime, Cestas, and Saint-Jean-d'Illac, as well as a military site close to Martignas.
Key facts
- Wildfire in Gironde is four times the size of Paris
- Temperatures forecast to reach 40°C (104°F)
- Over 2,200 firefighters and 20 aircraft mobilized
- Blaze has not spread overnight but conditions may worsen
- Major fires in Landes and Var regions halted
- Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed Gironde as biggest remaining battle
- Fire commander Matthieu Jomain leads operations
- Three danger zones: Cap-Ferret, Marcheprime-Cestas-Saint-Jean-d'Illac, and Martignas military site
Entities
Locations
- Gironde
- France
- Paris
- Cap-Ferret
- Marcheprime
- Cestas
- Saint-Jean-d'Illac
- Martignas
- Landes
- Var
- Lège