French authorities ordered the evacuation of the entire Cap Ferret peninsula (Lège-Cap Ferret) on the southwest coast. Hundreds of people are leaving the area by boat.
The tourism destination is being evacuated as firefighters continue to battle a wildfire in the Gironde region.
The fire began on Tuesday in Saumos and continued to burn overnight. 8,700 hectares (approximately 21,500 acres) have been consumed by the flames. Two firefighters died on Tuesday while tackling a blaze near Bordeaux airport. No further casualties were reported overnight.
Other Fires
Another major fire near Biscarrosse in the Landes region began on Thursday afternoon, prompting evacuations of more than 23,000 people. Approximately 18,000 people in Biscarrosse and 5,000 in Parentis-en-Born had to leave their homes, campsites, a nursing home, and a summer camp. On Friday morning, the centre of Biscarrosse was being evacuated.
Government Response
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday night the wildfire situation in the country was "very tense," especially in Gironde. Macron requested help from the European Union; support will come in the form of aircraft from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
"Significant resources" remain on the ground, with additional ground and air reinforcements expected.
Gironde prefect Sophie Brocas ordered the "final phase" of the peninsula evacuation early Friday morning. People are instructed to leave via the main D106 road towards Bordeaux. Boats were made available between 07:00 and 10:00 local time from four piers.
Around 20,000 people in the Gironde region had been evacuated on Thursday, many of whom were visitors to campsites on the peninsula. Further evacuations from La Porge took place on Thursday night, described by Brocas as having occurred "calmly." Homes in evacuated areas will be monitored to prevent vandalism.
The public has been told not to go to the affected areas.
Spain
The Spanish government declared a national emergency as wildfires burn out of control in several areas near Madrid.