Thousands evacuated from campsites and holiday homes as wildfires grip southwest France

Wildfires sweeping part of the Atlantic coast of southwest France have forced holidaymakers to evacuate campsites and holiday homes.

Local reports point to as many as 20,000 people being moved away from a series of blazes across the Gironde region to the west of Bordeaux amid this summer’s heatwave.

Fires are understood to have started in a pine forest near the village of Saumos just north of the bay of Arcachon, a popular tourist destination. 

They had burned more than 9,140 acres in a little over 24 hours, firefighters said on Thursday.

The Foreign Office warned in a new travel advisory that access to affected areas may be restricted and roads may be closed at short notice. 

“Wildfires are affecting parts of Gironde in southwestern France, including areas around Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret,” the notice said.

“French authorities have evacuated some campsites and tourist accommodation. 

“If you are already in the area or are planning to travel there, follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media, and contact your accommodation or travel provider for latest guidance.  

“If you are affected by a wildfire or another emergency, call 18 (fire service) or 112 (emergency services).”

Two local firefighters are reported to have died earlier in the week tackling another fire close to Bordeaux airport.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) noted that there is a “high risk” of wildfires during the summer season in France from April to October. 

Meanwhile, some 3,500 residents of the community of Aldea del Fresno, west of Madrid, were ordered to evacuate on Thursday because of a wildfire burning out of control nearby.

Similar orders were issued a day earlier to residents of the village of Almorox, south of the Spanish capital. Some villagers are now beginning to return to their homes, the BBC reported.