Archive · 31 Jul 2026
84,000 Evacuees Return Home as Europe Battles Wildfires
A huge wildfire in southwest France burned a huge area, about four times the size of Paris.
Because of the fire, 84,000 people had to leave their homes.
On Thursday, firefighters said the fire was under control, so many people could go back.
The fire was helped by a very hot summer that made the land very dry.
Even though the fire was stopped, people were told to stay careful and keep their phones on in case they had to leave again.
84,000 French evacuees allowed to return after wildfire.
Fire burned 420 square kilometers, four times the size of Paris.
Firefighters used planes, helicopters, water cannons, and international crews.
Heatwave and dry conditions sparked fires across Europe, including the UK, Spain, Greece, and Turkey.
Actor George Clooney evacuated his home and expressed hope to rebuild.
- Who
- French authorities and firefighters
- What
- Evacuees returning home after a massive wildfire
- When
- Thursday, after a week of fighting
- Where
- Southwest France, Bordeaux region, Brignoles, Var region
- Why
- Wildfire caused by heatwave and dry conditions
- Evacuees returned
- 84,000
- Burned area
- 420 square kilometers
- Firefighters involved
- 3,300
- Countries assisting
- Luxembourg, Slovakia, Latvia, Germany, Serbia, Ukraine
- Date
- Thursday