Macron convenes crisis meeting as wildfires threaten Bordeaux region

French President Emmanuel Macron has convened an emergency crisis meeting as massive wildfires continue to spread across southwestern France and northern Spain. In Gironde alone, over 42,000 hectares of land have been destroyed, contributing to more than 115,000 hectares burned nationwide this year. Evacuation orders remain in place for hundreds of thousands of residents, with officials barring returns until fire perimeters are fully secured.

The advancing flame front reached the outskirts of Bordeaux over the weekend, causing severe disruptions to regional transport networks, including the closure of the Bordeaux–Biarritz rail line and route adjustments for the Tour de France. Meanwhile, weather forecasts predict rising temperatures early in the week, threatening to further exacerbate conditions. Authorities in France are also investigating three near-simultaneous blazes in the Var region suspected of being deliberate arson.

Sources: BBC News, Der Standard, France24, Helsingin Sanomat, Le Figaro.