The large forest fires on the southwest coast of France are under control, the local government reported Monday. Saturday it became clear that the fire at the beach Dune de Pilat had been contained. Now that is also the case with the forest fire at Landiras. This puts an end to the major forest fires south of Bordeaux after almost two weeks.
All people who had to leave their homes because of the fire can return. The fire brigade of the affected department of Gironde speaks of an “exceptional crisis” that has now been resolved.
Because the fires broke out almost simultaneously, it was difficult to extinguish the fire. About 3,000 firefighters were deployed simultaneously to fight the flames. About 21,000 hectares of forest in the area have been burned. Nearly 37,000 people were evacuated.
Several forest fires have broken out in France in recent weeks due to the persistent dry heat. Many other parts of Europe are also currently experiencing fires and heat, especially around the Mediterranean.
In Spain, major fires are raging on the island of Tenerife and around the capital Madrid. Most are largely under control. In the first seven months of this year, fires have already destroyed 2,000 square kilometers of forest in Spain.
In Greece, Slovenia, Italy and the Czech Republic, firefighters are having great difficulty with the extinguishing work due to the persistent heat and drought. The fires are also fanned by strong winds.