French firefighters battle Gironde blazes as new heatwave approaches

Emergency services in southwestern France are struggling to contain vast wildfires near Bordeaux as forecasters warn of another incoming heatwave with temperatures reaching 40°C. In the Gironde department, flames have scorched over 42,000 hectares, forcing 220,000 residents to evacuate. Although the main fire front stalled for three consecutive days, officials reported multiple flare-ups, while authorities in the Var department launched investigations into suspected arson following three simultaneous ignitions near Brignoles.

Nationwide, blazes have destroyed 115,000 hectares this year. Four firefighters have died in recent weeks, with around 2,000 personnel deployed to the Gironde region alone. Local authorities ordered further preventive evacuations affecting tens of thousands of residents as extreme weather conditions continue to hamper containment efforts.

Sources: BBC News, France24, Le Figaro, ORF, RTBF Info