Firefighters in south-west France are trying to contain renewed wildfire outbreaks in the Gironde region as the area prepares for another sharp rise in temperatures.
BBC News reported that 2,000 firefighters have been deployed in Gironde, where fires have damaged countryside between the Atlantic coast and Bordeaux. Eric Brocardi, spokesman for the national firefighters' federation, described the effort as being like “David against Goliath” and said four firefighters had died across France in recent weeks.
Regional prefect Sophie Brocas said 14 places already affected by fires experienced fresh flare-ups on Tuesday, warning: “We are not in the clear.” A fourth heatwave of the summer was expected to begin by Wednesday, with temperatures in the area forecast to reach 40C. Similar heat was also expected in Spain.
Officials said Bordeaux itself was not currently under threat, although one fire on Monday came within 15km of the city’s outskirts. Commander Rémi Lassoureille, who is leading the firefighting response in Gironde, said he remained concerned about the possible impact on Bordeaux and its wider metropolitan area.
Smoke has affected air quality in Bordeaux. A holidaymaker from Essex told the BBC the air had been very smoky, with ash in the air, while Graham White, president of the Bordeaux British Community, said shops, restaurants and cafes had been relatively empty.
Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said the government was being very vigilant over air pollution and urged people in affected areas to remain indoors.
On Tuesday morning, the Gironde prefect ordered camping sites near the coast at Lacanau to be evacuated. People in the nearby town were allowed to stay but were told to be ready to leave at short notice. Around 4,000 tourists were told to leave the area, in addition to 220,000 people evacuated across France in recent days. Officials said an estimated 240 homes and houses had been destroyed.
Wildfires have also affected Spain and Portugal. Spain has lifted some evacuation orders, allowing around 44,000 people to return home or leave confinement. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said difficult hours and days remained, but that there was some light “at the end of the tunnel”. In Portugal, 400 firefighters were tackling a major blaze on three active fronts in the eastern Guarda area.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 184 people had been arrested since 6 July in connection with the fires. BBC News also reported that a 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of starting a fire in the Var region is facing a possible 15-year prison sentence.
Peggy Plouhinec, general director of Château Picque Caillou, told the BBC her wine business had closed at the weekend because of smoke, although conditions had improved after rain on Sunday night. She said tourists had left the region and warned the hospitality sector would be affected this summer.