France: Two men arrested on suspicion of starting wildfires near Bordeaux

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of starting a wildfire near Bordeaux, as firefighters continue to battle the blaze. The fires in the Gironde department have consumed 42,000 hectares but are no longer spreading as before. Thousands have been evacuated from their homes in the wine region and Atlantic coast.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of starting a wildfire near Bordeaux, authorities told Reuters. The fires in the Gironde department have consumed 42,000 hectares but are no longer spreading as in recent days. Thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes in the area known for its vineyards and Atlantic coast. The fire started near the village of Saumos, about 40 kilometers west of Bordeaux, and spread toward the coastal villages of Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret. The Ferret Peninsula was almost completely evacuated by sea. Farm horses were released for fear the fire would reach the stables and were seen galloping in flight.