Wildfires in southwest France have forced the evacuation of approximately 250,000 people, with flames rapidly approaching the city of Bordeaux. Overnight Sunday, an additional 55,000 individuals were ordered to leave their homes in the Gironde region, where Bordeaux is located.
Authorities issued evacuation orders for five more localities southwest of the historic city. The fire, which has been burning out of control since midweek, is fueled by gusting winds and dry conditions exacerbated by successive heat waves. The affected area, largely composed of pine forests and scrubland, has expanded to an estimated 42,000 hectares (162 square miles). This area is roughly seven times the size of Manhattan island and four times the size of Paris.
Firefighters, supported by soldiers and aerial resources like water-dropping planes, are working to contain the progression of the blaze toward Bordeaux. The city's mayor stated the fire is "at the gates of the metropolitan area,” with its closest point approximately 9 miles from the city. A major highway leading into and out of Bordeaux has been partially closed.
A separate fire in the Landes region, further south, has led to the evacuation of 30,000 people this week.
In neighboring Spain, wildfires have also prompted evacuations. The Valencia region on the country's east coast and areas west of Madrid have seen a total of 116,000 people forced from their homes this week due to uncontrolled blazes.