28.07.2026 08:31
In forest fires affecting the Bordeaux region of France, an area about four times the size of Paris turned to ash, while over 240 luxury vacation homes—most reportedly owned by wealthy Parisians—were completely destroyed. In the disaster, where more than 260,000 people were evacuated, firefighting teams, military aircraft, and volunteers fought intensely to bring the fire under control, while the European Union decided to send additional air support to France.
Massive forest fires continuing in southwestern France have caused great destruction. More than 260,000 people were evacuated in the fires affecting a large area between Bordeaux and the Cap Ferret Peninsula, while hundreds of luxury vacation homes, most of which are said to belong to wealthy Parisians, have been reduced to ashes.
AN AREA FOUR TIMES THE SIZE OF PARIS BURNED
The fire, which started on July 12 in the forests of Cap Ferret, grew within days due to strong winds and advanced towards Bordeaux. More than 40,000 hectares of land turned to ash, an area reported to be approximately four times the size of Paris.
LUXURY VILLAS BECAME UNUSABLE
In the areas most severely affected by the fire, over 240 homes were completely destroyed. Officials stated that a significant portion of the structures turned to ash were multi-million euro villas used as summer homes in the region, belonging to wealthy Parisians.
ROADS TURNED INTO HELL
Along the D106 highway connecting Bordeaux and Cap Ferret, dozens of vehicles burned and turned into scrap, while lush pine forests were replaced by blackened tree trunks. Houses along the roadsides turned into piles of rubble, and some villas completely collapsed due to extreme heat.
Inside the homes, only ovens, burnt chairs, and radiator frames remained from the kitchens, while swimming pools were covered with a layer of ash. In areas where power lines were damaged, a safety risk also emerged.
ANIMALS COULD NOT ESCAPE THE FLAMES
In the fire, a dog training center was completely destroyed, and a roe deer was seen burned to death after getting caught in wire fences while trying to escape. Numerous agricultural vehicles, construction machinery, and farm equipment were also damaged by the flames.
"THE FIRE IS FEEDING ITSELF"
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the fire in the Gironde region as "unprecedented." Nuñez stated that due to weather conditions and forest structure, the flames were spreading in all directions, saying, "This fire is feeding itself and is extremely difficult to bring under control."
French President Emmanuel Macron also said the coming weeks would be tough and that the fight against the fire would continue with determination.
MILITARY AIRCRAFT AND VOLUNTEERS ON THE GROUND
In addition to firefighting teams, an A400M military transport aircraft is supporting the firefighting efforts. Farmers, vineyard owners, and volunteers are also participating in the efforts by cutting fire breaks with tractors and intervening with water tankers.
SUPPORT FOR FRANCE FROM THE EU
The European Union announced that additional firefighting aircraft would be sent to France. However, EU officials warned that similar fire risks were increasing in Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic due to extreme heat.
MESSAGE OF SUPPORT FROM THE ROYALTY
Prince William and Princess Kate of Wales, in a message they issued, conveyed their condolences to those affected by the fires in France, Spain, and England, and thanked the firefighting teams and volunteers for their dedicated efforts.