France's Largest Wildfire in Decades 'Under Control', Says Minister
Laurent Nunez said the blaze is no longer progressing after burning 42,000 hectares and destroying around 240 homes, officials said.
- On Aug 1, authorities announced France's largest wildfire since 1949, which erupted over a week ago near Bordeaux, is now under control.
- Inhabitants allege a brushwood-clearing machine accidentally sparked the blaze on July 22, while strong winds in the Gironde region caused flames to spread "faster than a galloping horse," according to regional prefect Simon Babre.
- The blaze burned through 42,000ha of pine forest along the Atlantic coastline, destroying around 240 homes and forcing the evacuation of 220,000 people; Most have since returned home.
- Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed the fire is no longer progressing, though he noted firefighters continue addressing active areas where some residents must wait before returning home.
- Satellite data from the European Forest Fire Information System shows 92,000ha burned across France in 2026, the largest total on record for any year over the past 20 years amid deadly heatwaves.
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France Brings Its Biggest Forest Fire Under Control Since 1949
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced today that the largest forest fire in France since 1949 has been brought under control, more than a week after it broke out in a pine forest near the city of Bordeaux in southwestern France. World News | France Brings Its Biggest Forest Fire Under Control Since 1949.
France brings its biggest forest fire under control since 1949 - The Tribune
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced today that the largest forest fire in France since 1949 has been brought under control, more than a week after it broke out in a pine forest near the city of Bordeaux in southwestern France.
The fire destroyed around 42,000 hectares of pine forest and around 240 houses in the Gironde department on the Atlantic coast near Bordeaux.
Finally, there is good news from France and Spain, where the extensive fires are now starting to come under control. Meanwhile, the fire danger has moved to Greece, and in Eastern Europe, coal-fired power plants are being scaled down due to water shortages.
The flames hardly seem to slow down. Heavy forest fires in France and Spain continue to spread. Hundreds of thousands are on the run.
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