French Officials Authorize Return of 84,000 Wildfire Evacuees as Conditions Improve in Gironde

The prefecture for the Gironde region announced on Thursday that residents from nine localities could return to their homes following a relatively calm night in which the fire did not expand beyond its existing perimeter. According to Sophie Brocas, the prefect, higher humidity and cooler temperatures offered optimism for a return to normalcy for both residents and local businesses. Firefighters maintained full mobilization with 2,200 personnel and more than 20 aircraft supporting the operation.

Local officials reported that the blaze had consumed 42,000 hectares, an area four times the size of Paris. In total more than 220,000 people have been displaced since the fires began the previous week, a figure that includes tourists and residents from campsites and villages. The decision to lift evacuation orders for 84,000 of them marked the most significant step yet toward recovery in the affected zone.

Rain fell in nearby Bordeaux early on July 30, with forecasts indicating additional precipitation might reach the fire area later in the day. An orange-level heat wave warning was canceled before dawn as temperatures were projected to fall to 27 degrees Celsius along the coast from a previous high of 40 degrees. Gironde officials noted that humidity had hit 80 percent overnight but was anticipated to decline by midday.

The wildfires in southwestern France form part of a broader pattern of blazes impacting southern Europe, with activity reported in Spain, Greece and Turkey. A Reuters report indicated that multiple forest fires were being fought in four western provinces of Turkey. According to Greek authorities, three firefighters lost their lives on the island of Crete the day prior.

This year’s wildfires in France have burned a total of 115,000 hectares and destroyed 240 structures while leading to the evacuation of around 250,000 people nationwide, according to compiled government data. The Gironde fire ranks among the largest in the country since World War II, a BBC assessment found. The affected area encompasses wine-producing, forested and heavily touristed zones near Bordeaux.

Fire crews continued to focus efforts on preventing any resurgence as weather conditions improved. The prefecture emphasized the need for continued vigilance even as returns were permitted. Additional support from aircraft remained on standby throughout the region.