French Wildfire Contained: 200,000 Residents Allowed to Return Home

France has begun allowing more than 200,000 evacuees to return home as a massive wildfire in the Gironde department is brought under control, according to Interior Minister Nuñez. While the crisis eases in the southwest, emergency crews remain heavily deployed against persistent blazes across southern France and Greece, where people have been forced to flee by sea.

Gironde Wildfire Contained After Destroying 42,000 Hectares

The destructive wildfire burning west of Bordeaux has finally stopped spreading, permitting 208,000 of the total 224,000 evacuees to return, according to the prefect of the Gironde department. Interior Minister Nuñez confirmed that the blaze is under control, though active fire zones and smoldering spots remain.

The fire charred 42,000 hectares—an area four times the size of Paris—since breaking out last week. Authorities reported no civilian deaths or injuries resulting from the Gironde fire. However, the nearby Cap Ferret peninsula remains officially evacuated as crews monitor remaining hot spots.

Escalating Wildfire Crisis in the Var Department

While the situation improves in the southwest, the emergency in the southern French department of Var remains serious. A blaze previously declared under control flared up again, consuming an additional 1,500 hectares of land, according to local reports.

France’s broader wildfire toll for the year has reached 119,000 hectares, which Interior Minister Nuñez described as an exceptionally high figure. Law enforcement agencies have arrested 328 individuals on suspicion of arson. The nationwide firefighting effort has recorded four fatalities among firefighters, alongside 129 reported injuries.

Evacuations by Sea as Fires Threaten Greek Coastal Towns

Greek emergency services launched large-scale rescue operations after a fire erupted near Porto Germeno, a popular resort town along the Gulf of Corinth in the Boeotia region. The fire started near the neighboring village of Agios Vasileios, prompting the emergency evacuation of approximately 300 people by sea.

Forest fire meteorologist Theodore Giannaros stated on Facebook that the environmental damage around Porto Germeno is immense, estimating that between 4,000 and 5,000 hectares have burned. Official figures from the Greek government are still pending. The Greek fire brigade battled 73 separate blazes, while meteorological alerts warn of a very high wildfire risk across Attica and Central Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people were allowed to return home in France?

According to the prefect of the Gironde department, 208,000 out of 224,000 evacuees have been cleared to return home now that the regional fire is under control.

How much land has been destroyed in Gironde?

The wildfire west of Bordeaux has destroyed 42,000 hectares of land, an area four times the size of Paris.

What caused the recent evacuations in Greece?

A major wildfire broke out near Agios Vasileios in the Boeotia region, threatening Porto Germeno and forcing the evacuation of about 300 people by sea.

How many firefighters have died in France this year?

Interior Minister Nuñez reported that four firefighters have died and 129 have been injured in France since the start of the year.