Photo: U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region | Public domain | Wikimedia Commons
France Evacuates 20,000 As Atlantic Coast Wildfire Nears Homes
French authorities evacuated about 20,000 people from Lège-Cap Ferret and nearby Atlantic coast resorts on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after a major wildfire neared homes.[1]
The Gironde prefecture said the blaze has burned more than 31 square kilometers of forest and came within 300 meters of homes.[1] About 700 firefighters and aircraft were deployed to battle the flames as officials ordered mass evacuations.[1]
More than 12,500 wildfires have broken out in France in 2026, burning about 44,000 hectares, a pattern officials say has strained fire crews. Lège-Cap Ferret is a popular summer destination and authorities said the evacuations included both residents and holidaymakers.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Thursday, July 23, 2026, officials evacuated about 20,000 people from Lège-Cap Ferret and nearby Atlantic coast resorts in France due to a major wildfire.
- The Gironde prefecture reports the fire has burned over 31 square kilometers (12 square miles) of forest and approached within 300 meters of homes, with 700 firefighters and aircraft deployed.
- More than 12,500 wildfires have broken out in France in 2026, burning about 44,000 hectares, while large concurrent fires continue in Sicily and central Spain.
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July 23, 2026