On Sunday, July 26th, 2026, wildfires in southwest France intensified, prompting authorities to evacuate 55,000 additional residents as flames approached the city of Bordeaux. This latest evacuation brings the total number displaced in the region to over 250,000.

Authorities in the Gironde region, home to Bordeaux, issued overnight evacuation orders for five more localities southwest of the historic city. Gusting winds overnight accelerated the spread of the fire, which has been burning uncontrollably since midweek, according to an official statement.

The mayor of Bordeaux reported that the fire is "still at the gates of the metropolitan area," having advanced to approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city at its closest point. In response, the Gironde prefect ordered the partial closure of a major highway heading southwest from Bordeaux.

Further south, a separate wildfire in the Landes region has forced the evacuation of 30,000 people this week. Combined, these fires have displaced more than 250,000 residents in France.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Spain, authorities evacuated 70,000 people this week due to fires west of Madrid.

Sources