Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Fire crews control Bordeaux wildfires amid heatwave
Firefighters in France have been working hard to control a big wildfire near the city of Bordeaux.
The fire has been burning for a week and has destroyed a large area of pine forests.
The fire started because of a very dry spell caused by many heatwaves.
The firefighters, with help from other European countries, have managed to keep the fire under control.
However, another heatwave is coming, which might make the fire worse again.
The fire has forced about 220,000 people to leave their homes, including tourists and local residents.
Some people had to leave on special ferries because the only road out was blocked.
The fire has also caused some businesses near Bordeaux to close as a precaution.
The area burned is already more than any other year on record.
Wildfire in Landes area west of Bordeaux has burned 42,000 hectares of pine forests.
Fire crews, with European support, have contained the blaze after a week of efforts.
Another heatwave, the fourth this summer, is expected to make conditions more volatile.
Temperatures are forecast to peak at 42 degrees Celsius, with dry winds stoking flames.
Authorities have evacuated about 220,000 people, including holidaymakers and local residents.
- Who
- Fire crews, European peers, local authorities
- What
- Wildfire containment efforts
- When
- July 29, 2024
- Where
- Landes area west of Bordeaux, France
- Why
- Severe dry spell caused by a series of heatwaves
Firefighters' Efforts
Heatwave Conditions
Fire Containment
Firefighters' Efforts
Fire crews, with European support, have managed to contain the blaze after a week of battling.
Heatwave Conditions
Rising temperatures and winds are expected to make conditions more volatile, potentially reigniting the flames.
- Area Burned
- 42,000 hectares (103,784 acres)
- Temperatures Expected
- 42 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Evacuated People
- 220,000
- Heatwave Number
- Fourth this summer
- Fire Duration
- One week