Fire Destroys Over 12,500 Hectares in Southwest France, Forces Evacuation of 44,000 People French authorities confirmed Friday that wildfires have consumed more than 12,500 hectares of forest in the southwest region, prompting the evacuation of nearly 44,000 residents and tourists. The fires, which have been raging since late Tuesday, have forced emergency measures including full evacuations by road and sea, with thousands fleeing their homes in the Gironde department. President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that he has requested activation of the European Union’s civil protection mechanism to assist with the crisis. The blaze, centered around the Cap-Ferret peninsula, has spread rapidly through dense forests near the towns of Saumos and Lège-Cap-Ferret. Firefighters reported that flames crossed a key containment line early Wednesday, forcing immediate action. By midday on Thursday, over 10,000 hectares had been scorched, with the area under threat continuing to expand. Emergency services deployed hundreds of vehicles and aircraft to combat the fire, while local officials coordinated efforts to protect nearby communities. Evacuation operations began shortly after midnight on Thursday, with authorities ordering the departure of residents from several villages along the coast. A large-scale operation was launched to move people away from the danger zone, using both land and water routes. In the town of Lège-Cap-Ferret, boats were used to ferry evacuees to safety, with dozens of vessels mobilized from four different docking points. Those who could not reach the mainland by car were transported via boat, many arriving at Arcachon in the early hours of Friday morning. Residents described the scene as chaotic and alarming. Many left their homes hastily, carrying only essential belongings, driven by fear of the advancing flames. Some recounted how they had heard the distant roar of fire engines and saw thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky. Local officials worked alongside volunteers and emergency crews to ensure safe passage, with some families spending up to three hours navigating the narrow coastal roads before reaching shelter. The scale of the disaster has prompted a broader response from national and regional authorities. The French government has declared a state of emergency in parts of the Gironde and Landes departments, allowing for increased resources and coordination. Meanwhile, the European Commission has been contacted to activate its civil protection framework, which can provide assistance from other member states. This marks one of the largest wildfire responses in recent years, highlighting the growing challenge of managing such crises in a climate change context. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with updates indicating that the fire front remains active and unpredictable. Weather conditions, including high temperatures and low humidity, are expected to persist, potentially leading to further expansion of the affected areas. Officials have warned that the risk of flash floods and secondary hazards remains elevated due to the intensity of the burning vegetation. As of Friday afternoon, the number of displaced individuals continues to rise, with estimates suggesting that over 44,000 people have been evacuated from the region. Emergency shelters have opened in multiple locations, providing temporary housing and support for those affected. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments being conducted to determine the long-term impact on the environment and local infrastructure.
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