According to the French news network on 28, fires continue to rage in southwestern France, the fires only 15 kilometers from the famous city of Bordeaux, the local mayor issued a warning, and the entire city is fully preparing for emergency preparations. French President Macron said on 27: “We are facing an unprecedented fire.” He described this as France‘s most serious fire crisis since World War II.
On July 26, a forest area in Marche-Prime, west of Bordeaux, France, was engulfed by a great fire.
Due to the continued heat wave, the forests in southwestern France are extremely dry and flammable, greatly increasing the difficulty of fire prevention and control. Thousands of firefighters are desperately trying to contain the fire in various ways, including ground rescue, airdropping, and flame retardants. However, weather forecasts show that this week will usher in a new round of hot weather, with the highest temperature in the southwestern region likely reaching 40 degrees Celsius, with wind strength weakening and the air becoming drier, greatly increasing the risk of fire reigniting and spreading.
Currently, the fire remains complex and variable, and the governor of the Gironde province, Sophie Rocasse, said that there is still great uncertainty about the fire, and local rescue forces have always been fully mobilized. According to the Associated Press, this fire has caused multiple serious effects in the southwestern region of France with Bordeaux as the core. The fierce fire in the Gironde region caused a large amount of smoke and ash, leading to a serious deterioration in air quality. The city and coastal areas of Bordeaux were particularly affected by this toxic pollution, and thick smoke and pungent burnt smell could be seen in many other places, posing a threat to the health of residents. The city of Bordeaux is currently shrouded in a layer of smoke, with reduced visibility, and ash from the fire falling on streets, vehicles, and houses. The high temperatures, direct summer sunlight, and smoke from fires contributed to the rapid rise in ozone concentration in local areas.
Bordeaux is not only a well-known wine-producing region, but also has numerous high-tech research and development institutes and strategic and military institutions. And this fire directly impacted the local summer peak tourism season. The province of Gironde urgently called for the closure of holiday camps, calling for tourists to temporarily postpone visiting the region for tourism. At the same time, the regional transportation system was seriously damaged, with many roads and railways restricted, the southern high-speed train temporarily suspended, and the A63 highway between Bordeaux and Bayonne sealed off in both directions. The region also urgently called for the closure of all sports and cultural activities, and fully tightened outdoor control policies.
To prevent the spread of the fire, firefighters cleared the vegetation along the line and dug out fire barriers. The surrounding residents also actively participated in the rescue and transported supplies and water sources for the firefighters. Local fire officials admitted that this fire was dangerous, complex, and volatile. Thunderous and lightning weather also easily induces new fires, and the pressure on prevention and control is extremely great. France has mobilized 2,500 firefighters, 1,500 soldiers, 1,440 internal emergency personnel, and 67 firefighters to rush to the affected areas. They are doing their utmost to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the affected residents and advance fire management work.