Firefighters in southwestern France were working Friday to control the last hot spots of a massive wildfire that has scorched approximately 42,000 hectares (162 square miles) of land in Bordeaux's Gironde region. The blaze, which forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, has not spread in recent days, aided by lower temperatures and higher humidity.
Government officials expressed cautious optimism, with French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stating that the situation was "stabilized, but not totally stopped." Hot spots continue to require attention from fire crews focusing on forests and undergrowth along coastal dunes.
Europe is experiencing an exceptionally hot summer, contributing to wildfires across the continent. On Thursday, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Greece, and Turkey were also contending with blazes. In England, firefighters battled a wildfire near a nuclear power station for a third day, though it was reported to be stabilized and posed no threat to the Sizewell B plant.
The wildfire in southwest France initially led to the evacuation of 224,000 people. Authorities have since permitted 144,000 evacuees to return to their homes this week.
Investigations into the origins of the fire are ongoing, with possibilities including deliberate ignition by repeat offenders or negligence. As of Friday, 308 people, including over 120 minors, had been arrested in connection with the blazes, with 33 individuals either convicted or awaiting court rulings. Ukraine is also set to dispatch 70 civil security personnel and 10 vehicles to assist French efforts.
In England, the fire near Leiston in Suffolk burned about 150 hectares (370 acres) in Dunwich Heath. Despite stabilization, unpredictable winds kept officials from declaring the fire fully under control.