Haute-Corse wildfire spreads as firefighting operations intensify
Haute-Corse wildfire spreads across 260 hectares over nine days amid ongoing firefighting efforts.
Event / Disaster
European Wildfire Crisis 2026
Record-breaking wildfire season across Europe in 2026, including major fires in France (Gironde, Var, Drôme), Spokane Washington, and Athens Greece, with concurrent heat waves causing mass evacuations and casualties.
12 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 22 Jul, 06:14 UTC
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What happened
Drought conditions exacerbate wildfire severity in southwestern France
Vegetation and soil have been extremely dry for months, contributing to rapid wildfire spread. Recent exceptional heat waves have intensified the drought. Climate change caused by human activities is making the current drought more severe, according to climatologists from the World Weather Attribution group.
Bordeaux threatened by approaching wildfire; evacuation alerts triggered
The major wildfire in Gironde moved toward Bordeaux on Friday evening, with authorities warning that every commune in the fire's path would receive evacuation alerts. Smoke from the fire reached Bordeaux, triggering an air pollution alert in the city.
French military deployment increased to 1,000 soldiers to assist firefighting
President Emmanuel Macron requested maximum military mobilization to support civil protection efforts. The number of military personnel deployed to support firefighters was increased from 500 to 1,000 to help combat wildfires in Gironde and Landes.
Traffic authority advises avoiding Gironde department during wildfire crisis
Bison Futé advised motorists to avoid traveling to or through Gironde department during the night of July 24-25 to keep roads clear for emergency services. The day was classified as red nationally for departure traffic. Alternative routes via A20 and A64 autoroutes to Spain were suggested.
French health system activates emergency protocols in Gironde and Landes
The regional health authority (ARS) triggered the 'plan blanc' emergency protocol in Gironde and Landes departments. The 'plan blanc' was also activated in healthcare facilities nationwide in response to the crisis.
Second major wildfire in Landes burns 3,000 hectares near Biscarrosse
A second major wildfire started on Thursday evening near Biscarrosse in Landes department after an accidental vehicle fire. The fire burned 3,000 hectares and destroyed 110 to 120 buildings. It was described as very sudden, violent, and rapid.
France activates European civil protection mechanism for wildfire support
France requested the European civil protection mechanism to assist with wildfires. International aid was pledged including Croatian Canadair aircraft, Portuguese Air Tractor planes, and helicopters from Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Additional wildfires active across southern France on Friday
32 fires were reported active across France on Friday. Active fires included the Pontevès fire in Var at its fourth day with new ignitions in adjacent areas, the Freissinières fire in Hautes-Alpes which doubled to 460 hectares, and a fire near Corte in Haute-Corse that burned 860 hectares.
Over 140,000 people evacuated due to wildfires in southwestern France
More than 140,000 people were evacuated across Gironde and Landes departments due to multiple wildfires. In Gironde, 110,000 people were evacuated, and in Landes, 31,000 were evacuated. Additional preventive evacuations of seven communes near Bordeaux were ordered, including Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, Le Haillan, and Mérignac.
Evacuation of Cap-Ferret peninsula completed with 40,000 residents
The entire summer population of 40,000 residents from the Cap-Ferret peninsula was evacuated on Friday morning due to the approaching wildfire. The peninsula is a popular tourist destination.
Madrid region experiences worst wildfire in its history
Spain's Madrid region experienced its worst wildfire in history, with approximately 63,000 people evacuated or confined. A state of emergency was declared. Nearly 125,000 hectares burned in Madrid since January.
42 firefighters injured in southwestern France wildfire operations
42 firefighters were injured while fighting the wildfires, with 9 evacuated to hospitals. All injured firefighters were classified as urgent but not life-threatening cases.
French government distributes 1.5 million FFP2 masks in Gironde
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the distribution of 1.5 million FFP2 masks in Gironde to protect rescue workers and populations from harmful smoke caused by the wildfires.
Evacuations ordered in Landes including Parentis-en-Born and Sanguinet
Approximately 8,000 residents of Parentis-en-Born and 5,000 residents of Sanguinet in Landes were evacuated, along with 18,000 residents of Biscarrosse previously evacuated. Including camping occupants, approximately 36,000 people were evacuated from the Landes fire zone.
Major wildfire in Gironde burns over 19,000 hectares near Arcachon Basin
A large wildfire started on Wednesday in Saumos, Gironde, and burned over 19,000 hectares of forest by Saturday. The fire destroyed 100 buildings and spread rapidly through dense pine forest. The fire was caused by the use of a brush-clearing machine, according to the Bordeaux prosecutor.
Communities of Barjols and Châteauvert activate emergency evacuation plans
The municipalities of Barjols and Châteauvert activated their municipal emergency response plans in response to the wildfires. Multiple neighborhoods were evacuated, including areas in Pontevès. Approximately 300 residents were directed to reception centers in neighboring communes.
Multiple wildfires break out simultaneously near Cotignac and Pontevès in southern France
Three wildfires ignited nearly simultaneously in the evening around Cotignac and Pontevès in the Var department of southern France. The largest fire started near Ferme des Sigoires, opposite Brad Pitt's Miraval wine estate. A second fire broke out north of Vallon Sourn, and a third at Vallon de Palière near the village. The fires spread rapidly up hillsides, threatening to cross ridgelines and reach residential neighborhoods.
Photo exhibition opening in Miers celebrates local heritage and residents
A photography exhibition titled 'Portraits – Patrimoine et transmission' opened on July 17 at Chez Amaury in Miers. The exhibition features approximately 30 black-and-white portraits documenting residents who have contributed to village life and memory. The accompanying published collection includes interviews spanning a century of village history, with subjects ranging from someone born in 1925 to someone born in 2011, capturing memories of local patrimony, traditions, and life experiences. The exhibition is free and open during bar hours.
Six neighborhoods in Correns ordered to evacuate due to wildfire threat
Six neighborhoods in the village of Correns received evacuation orders as the Ferme des Sigoires fire progressed up a hillside toward the Bel-Air residential quarter. By 9 PM, all three fire fronts had decreased in intensity.
40,000 people evacuated from Cap-Ferret peninsula
40,000 residents and tourists were evacuated Friday from the Cap-Ferret peninsula by road and sea due to the advancing wildfire. The evacuation included both summer visitors and permanent residents.
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2 alternative perspectives
Pontevès wildfire escalates to 2,550 hectares, seven firefighters injured
Pontevès wildfire expands to 2,550 hectares; 400 evacuated, seven firefighters injured.
France's 2026 burn season breaks records with 40,000 hectares charred
France's early 2026 wildfire season has burned 40,000 hectares with major incidents across multiple regions.
Corsican wildfires destroy 544 hectares across two separate incidents
Corsican wildfires burned 544 hectares across Corte and Albertacce regions.
Lightning sparks 130-hectare wildfire in Hautes-Alpes Écrins massif
Lightning sparked 130-hectare wildfire in Hautes-Alpes; rockfalls injured firefighter during response.
Var region mobilizes 900 firefighters against spreading wildfire threat
Var wildfire forces mass evacuation and deploys 900 firefighters as 1,700 hectares burn.