The fire season in France has reached alarming levels, with over 44,000 hectares already burned since the start of 2026. The situation is particularly severe in the departments of Var and Gironde, where two major wildfires continue to rage, forcing hundreds of residents and tourists to evacuate. As of July 23, 2026, the fires have already surpassed the total area consumed during the entire 2025 season, marking one of the worst fire seasons on record. The blaze in Gironde began near Saumos on Wednesday afternoon and quickly spread to Le Porge before moving toward Lège-Cap-Ferret, north of the Arcachon basin. By Thursday morning, the fire had consumed more than 3,100 hectares. Authorities estimate that nearly 20,000 people were evacuated due to the rapid spread of flames. The region continues to face high temperatures and dry conditions, which have contributed to the intensity of the fire. Firefighters and aerial support, including Canadair aircraft, are working around the clock to contain the blaze. In the Var department, another large fire started midday on Tuesday from a field near Pontevès. It rapidly moved into the Gros Bessillon mountain range in the hinterland of Var. While specific details remain under investigation, preliminary reports suggest the fire has covered approximately 2,500 hectares. Local authorities have confirmed that emergency services are actively managing the situation, though the exact number of evacuations is still being determined. This year’s wildfire season has been marked by extreme heat and prolonged drought, conditions exacerbated by climate change. According to data from the French National Forest Fire Database (BDIFF), the current fire activity in Gironde alone exceeds that recorded in the entirety of 2025. In particular, the ongoing fire near Lège-Cap-Ferret has already scorched 8,700 hectares, making it among the top five most destructive wildfires in recent history. Historically, the most devastating fire in the region occurred in 2022, when the Landiras fire in Gironde consumed over 12,500 hectares. That fire later reignited in the same area due to residual heat, further damaging the surrounding landscape. Combined with another fire at Teste-de-Buch, which affected 5,700 hectares, the total area impacted in Gironde in 2022 was equivalent to three times the size of Paris or a strip of land measuring 30 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide. Authorities warn that the current fire risk remains extremely high, with forecasts indicating continued hot and dry weather through the end of the summer. Emergency services are preparing for potential additional outbreaks, especially in areas where vegetation remains highly combustible. Aerial firefighting resources, including helicopters and planes, are being deployed in greater numbers to assist ground crews. Local officials have expressed concern over the scale of the damage and the challenges posed by the evolving situation. Evacuation orders have been issued in multiple locations, disrupting daily life and travel plans. Tourism in the affected regions has also suffered, with hotels and resorts reporting reduced occupancy rates. Environmental groups have called for increased investment in fire prevention measures and improved early warning systems to mitigate future risks.
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