By Loveth Henry
National News – French authorities have ordered the full evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula in the country’s south-west as fast-moving wildfires continue to spread across the Gironde region, forcing hundreds of residents and tourists to flee by boat and road.
The evacuation order was issued early Friday as firefighters battled the blaze, which has been burning since Tuesday after it broke out in Saumos. Officials said the fire has already destroyed about 8,700 hectares (21,500 acres) of land.
Authorities directed residents and visitors to leave the peninsula through the D106 highway leading to Bordeaux, while boats were deployed from four piers to transport hundreds of people to safety.
The latest evacuation comes after around 20,000 people were moved from campsites and nearby communities in Gironde on Thursday as the wildfire intensified.
Gironde Prefect Sophie Brocas said the evacuation had entered its final phase, adding that security personnel would monitor evacuated communities to prevent looting and vandalism. She urged the public to stay away from affected areas as firefighters, supported by aerial and ground reinforcements, continued efforts to contain the flames.
No new casualties were reported overnight. However, two firefighters lost their lives on Tuesday while battling another wildfire near Bordeaux Airport.
In neighbouring Landes region, another major wildfire that erupted on Thursday triggered the evacuation of more than 23,000 people.
Officials said about 18,000 residents of Biscarrosse and another 5,000 people in Parentis-en-Born were forced to leave their homes, campsites, a nursing home and a summer camp. Authorities also confirmed that central Biscarrosse was being evacuated on Friday.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the country’s wildfire situation as “very tense,” particularly in the Gironde region. He said France had requested assistance from the European Union, with firefighting aircraft expected from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Meanwhile, Spain has declared a national emergency as several wildfires burned out of control near the capital, Madrid.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced the emergency following major fires in Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias in the Madrid region, as well as Burgohondo in Ávila.
Officials said the fires remained out of control on Friday, although their spread had slowed in recent hours. Several communities, including Aldea del Fresno, have been evacuated as emergency services continue firefighting operations.
The wildfires in France and Spain are among the latest severe blazes affecting parts of southern Europe amid extreme summer temperatures and dry weather conditions.
