A wildfire dubbed France's 'megafire' has burned 42,000 hectares of forestland west of Bordeaux and forced 200,000 people to flee, with firefighters facing daily flare-ups even after the blaze was contained.
Key facts
- The fire has consumed 42,000 hectares (104,000 acres) of mainly forestland west of Bordeaux.
- Around 200,000 people were forced from their homes.
- The village of Le Porge was evacuated just over 14 hours after the fire broke out 6km away.
- Though contained, the blaze produces outbreaks every day, stretching emergency services.
- Roughly 200 firefighters, soldiers, police, officials, foresters and volunteers gathered for a midday break in temperatures around 35C.
Firefighters and volunteers are engaged in what the Guardian described as a ‘war of attrition’ against a wildfire that has become known across France as the ‘megafire.’ The blaze has burned 42,000 hectares (104,000 acres) of mainly forestland west of Bordeaux and forced roughly 200,000 people from their homes.
According to the Guardian, the scene at a sports centre in Le Porge captures the scale of the effort. By noon, with temperatures around 35C and the smell of ash, cinders and burnt wood hanging in the air, about 200 men and a handful of women gathered for a break. Firefighters, soldiers, police, gendarmes, officials, first aid teams, foresters and volunteers sat elbow to elbow over plates of sausages, steak and potatoes.
The village of Le Porge was evacuated just over 14 hours after the fire broke out around 6km away last week, the report said.
Although the fire has finally been contained, the Guardian reports that outbreaks occur every day, pushing emergency services and the hundreds of amateur helpers who have come to their aid to the limit.
The Guardian describes conditions on the ground of intense heat, with the fire burning through desiccated grass, sand and forestland. Volunteers have played a significant role alongside professional responders in the ongoing fight.
Why it matters
Large wildfires like this one strain emergency services, displace tens of thousands of people, and destroy vast areas of forest. The scale of the blaze west of Bordeaux highlights the mounting pressure on communities and responders facing hotter, drier conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How much land has the France 'megafire' burned?
According to the Guardian, the fire has consumed 42,000 hectares (104,000 acres) of mainly forestland west of Bordeaux.
How many people were forced to leave their homes?
The Guardian reports that the blaze forced around 200,000 people from their homes.
Is the fire under control?
The fire has been contained, but according to the Guardian there are outbreaks every day that continue to stretch emergency services and volunteers.