Thousands evacuated, tens of thousands of dunams burned: France wildfire threatens missile industry

A massive wildfire in the Gironde department, west of Bordeaux, has consumed about 420,000 dunams of forest and threatens missile and ammunition facilities. Thousands of firefighters and soldiers are working to contain the blaze, while around 300,000 residents have been evacuated. In Spain, conditions are easing, but about 11,000 people remain evacuated.

A massive wildfire in the Gironde department, west of Bordeaux, has consumed about 420,000 dunams of forest and threatens missile and ammunition facilities. Thousands of firefighters, soldiers, and aircraft are operating along the fire lines. Authorities announced that the flames were mostly contained overnight but warned of the northwestern flank that could reignite toward the resort town of Lacanau. Nearly 4,000 tourists have been evacuated from campsites and vacation villages. The wave of fires threatens seven facilities storing hazardous materials, including a plant producing propellants for Ariane rockets and strategic missiles, and a plant producing ammonium perchlorate. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu approved the deployment of special protective measures. In Spain, conditions are easing, but about 11,000 people remain evacuated in the Madrid region. The European Union sent firefighting planes and helicopters for assistance.