10,000 People Evacuated by Fire in Southwestern France

Flames consume trees at a forest fire in Saint Magne, south of Bordeaux, south western France, on Aug. 10, 2022. SDIS 33 Service Audiovisuel via AP

PARIS—Firefighters were battling a wildfire in southwestern France on Wednesday in a region known for its pine forests that was ravaged by flames last month.

More than 6,200 hectares have burned in the Gironde region and the neighbouring Landes in the latest wildfire to erupt in a European nation as the continent swelters through a hot and dry summer.

The blaze forced the evacuation of about 10,000 people and destroyed at least 17 houses, according to firefighters.

Fire fighters near flames consuming trees at a forest fire in Saint Magne, south of Bordeaux, south western France, on Aug. 10, 2022. SDIS 33 Service Audiovisuel via AP

A major highway near the city of Bordeaux was closed on Wednesday afternoon due to the fire raging nearby.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that more firefighters have been sent to the site in an effort to contain the fire.

In total, more than 1,000 firefighters, nine aircraft and two helicopters have been mobilised, he said.

The Gironde region was hit last month by major wildfires that forced the evacuation of more than 39,000 people, including residents and tourists.

Flames consume trees at a forest fire in Saint Magne, south of Bordeaux, southwestern France, on Aug. 10, 2022. SDIS 33 Service Audiovisuel via AP