French authorities have mandated the full evacuation of Cap Ferret peninsula (Lège-Cap Ferret) in the country’s south-west, as hundreds of residents and tourists escape the encroaching flames by boat.
The evacuation of this popular tourism destination comes as emergency crews continue to struggle against a massive wildfire that has been burning in the Gironde region for several days.
The blaze, which originated on Tuesday in Saumos, has expanded rapidly, consuming approximately 8,700 hectares (21,500 acres) of land. While two firefighters tragically lost their lives on Tuesday while battling the fire near Bordeaux airport, officials stated on Friday morning that no further injuries have been reported, reports BBC.
French President Emmanuel Macron characterized the wildfire crisis as “very tense,” highlighting the Gironde area as a particular point of concern. In response, the president has requested assistance from European Union, with specialized firefighting aircraft from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia expected to provide support shortly.
The regional prefect, Sophie Brocas, initiated the “final phase” of the peninsula’s evacuation early on Friday morning.
Displaced individuals are being directed to leave via the primary road heading toward Bordeaux, though boat transport was also facilitated between 7am and 10am local time (06:00 to 09:00 BST) from four designated piers.
In neighboring Spain, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has declared a national emergency as wildfires spiral out of control in multiple regions. Firefighting teams are currently engaged with major blazes in Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias near Madrid, as well as in Burgohondo within the Ávila province.
