Thousands evacuated, tens of thousands of acres burned: Fire in France threatens missile industry

A massive fire in the Gironde department, west of Bordeaux, has consumed about 420,000 acres of forest and threatens missile and ammunition facilities. Thousands of firefighters are working to contain the blaze, and 4,000 tourists have been evacuated from resort areas. In Spain, conditions have eased, but about 11,000 people remain evacuated.

A massive fire in France is threatening the local missile and ammunition industry. The main fire front is in the Gironde department, west of Bordeaux, and has consumed about 420,000 acres of forest. Thousands of firefighters, soldiers, and aircraft are operating along the fire lines. Authorities said the flames were mostly contained overnight but warned of a resurgence toward the resort town of Lacanau. Nearly 4,000 tourists have been evacuated from campsites and holiday villages. According to reports in Le Monde, seven facilities storing hazardous materials are within less than 20 kilometers of the fire fronts. The immediate danger is to the facility in Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, which produces propellants for Ariane rockets and strategic missiles, and the plant in Saint-Hélène that produces ammonium perchlorate. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu approved the deployment of special protective measures. The fire is also approaching a military camp and a facility of Dassault. In Spain, conditions have eased, but about 11,000 people remain evacuated in the Madrid region. The European Union has sent firefighting planes and helicopters for assistance.