France battles massive wildfires as Macron chairs emergency meeting; 300,000 evacuated

Published 27 July 2026 · europe

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to chair a crisis cabinet meeting to manage wildfires currently raging across southern France, according to CNBC. The wildfires

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to chair a crisis cabinet meeting to manage wildfires currently raging across southern France, according to CNBC. The wildfires, which began in Gironde in the Southwest of France on Wednesday, have to date burned 42,000 hectares and have forced more than 300,000 people to evacuate, one of the biggest evacuations in French history. France's interior minister, Laurent Nunez, said (translated from French to English), “The situation remains highly unfavourable” on X on Saturday. He further added more information regarding the start of the fire, saying again on X, “At the start of the night, in Gironde, the fire became extremely virulent and unpredictable again, generating its own wind and spreading erratically toward the Bordeaux metropolitan area. By the end of the night, it had calmed down somewhat.” Wildfires a “historic situation” for France Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What regions in France are most affected by the current wildfires?

⌵ The wildfires are mainly affecting the Gironde and Landes regions in southwestern France, with significant threats to urban areas like Bordeaux. 2 Why are the wildfires in France being described as a 'historic situation'? ⌵ French officials describe the wildfires as a 'historic situation' due to the unprecedented amount of land burned this year, reaching nearly 100,000 hectares. 3 How has climate change contributed to the wildfires in France and Spain? ⌵ Climate change has intensified heatwaves and prolonged droughts, creating conditions that make forests highly combustible and leading to rapid fire spread. 4 What emergency measures have been taken in response to the wildfires in France? ⌵ Emergency measures include evacuating over 300,000 people, deploying 2,500 firefighters, military support, and utilizing firefighting aircraft and helicopters. 5 Should residents in fire-prone areas prepare for potential evacuations? ⌵ Yes, residents in fire-prone areas should remain vigilant and prepare for potential evacuations, as the unpredictable nature of the fires can change rapidly.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu described the wildfires as a “historic situation” for the country, with nearly 100,000 hectares burnt since the start of the year, which is an unprecedented level, according to him. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure described its economic effects as “a clap of thunder for an area which could have done without this.” Also Read | Wildfires in Spain and France Stabilize But New Heat Wave Looms The gigantic fire is being described as a “pyrocumulonimbus”, a type of fire cloud which generates its own winds, making it very erratic and hard to manage, according to a statement made by Nicolas Braz, a firefighter Captain to AFP. 2500 firefighters, 1500 military personnel and nearly 1200 police have been deployed to manage the fire and bring it under control. Stefan Doerr, a professor of wildland fire science at Swansea University, told CNBC Europe that climate change and poor land management are contributing to the increasing intensity of wildfires.