Deployment of Soldiers and Military Aircraft A400M
President Macron has called for the armed forces to mobilize and support civil protection “with maximum reinforcement.” Government Chief Lecornu announced that a total of 1,000 military personnel will be deployed to combat the flames that have already devastated an area of 22,000 hectares. Additionally, Lecornu confirmed that a military aircraft, the Airbus A400M, will be used in the Gironde region to aid in firefighting efforts. The aircraft will be equipped with a delivery system capable of dispensing 20 tons of firefighting materials.
Thousands of People in Exhibition Halls
Cap-Ferret Peninsula Completely Evacuated
The popular tourist destination Cap-Ferret has been fully evacuated. About 44,000 residents and vacationers left the area either via the only road leading to Bordeaux or by boats across the Arcachon Basin. Approximately 40 of the 1,000 firefighters battling the blaze at Cap-Ferret have reportedly been injured.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the fire may have been ignited by a brush cutter used during work on a high-voltage line, which was still permitted at that time.
Firefighters are also combatting blazes in other regions of France, including Var and the island of Corsica.
Spain Declares National Emergency
The situation has worsened in Spain, particularly around the capital, Madrid. The large fire there is reportedly “at its peak” and currently “impossible to extinguish,” stated the head of the regional government’s disaster management, Novillo. Over 63,000 people around Madrid are impacted by fire prevention measures, either evacuated or instructed to stay indoors.
Strong Winds Expected
The Spanish government declared a national emergency, justifying this by the fact that several large fires are out of control, exacerbated by the weather conditions. As new reports indicate, winds gusting up to 60 kilometers per hour complicate firefighting efforts. The declaration allows the state to provide more funds, and the military takes over operational command.
Prime Minister Sánchez will visit the command center in Cenicientos near Madrid today, participating in a crisis meeting with Interior Minister Grande-Marlaska. He described a “dramatic situation” in several Spanish provinces and neighboring countries.
In Italy, emergency services continue to battle numerous fires, especially in Sicily and Calabria, where dozens of fires have been reported.
EU Supports Firefighting Efforts
The EU Commission announced in Brussels that four Canadair aircraft would be sent to Spain and three to France. Both countries are receiving satellite imagery from the EU Earth observation program Copernicus to assist local firefighting operations. Chancellor Merz stated that Germany is ready to assist France under the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
Additional Information
This news was broadcast on July 25, 2026, by Deutschlandfunk.
