France is battling massive forest fires and a new heatwave. While the department of Var continues to fight the flames, residents in Gironde are gradually returning to their homes after a large-scale evacuation.
In the Var region, home to the vineyard estates of George Clooney and Brad Pitt, evacuations were also carried out due to the fires. Meanwhile, meteorologists are warning of a new heatwave, with temperatures expected to range from 35 to 38 °C, along with severe thunderstorms, lightning, wind, and hail, particularly in Paris.
Community Conflict Over Fires
Two towns — Le Porge, which feels abandoned, and Cap Ferret, known as the “Saint-Tropez of the Atlantic” — are at the center of a sharp dispute. Residents of Le Porge believe that rescuers prioritized the protection of elite villas in Cap Ferret while their town suffered significant damage. Additionally, shells from World War II were discovered in the area, prompting military demining operations.
Residents of Le Porge, evacuated due to the devastating fire, returned to their homes on Monday. Many believe their town, where more than 180 houses burned down, was neglected by authorities in favor of Cap Ferret. The president of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Alain Rousset, stated on RTL that he sees no “conspiracy,” but he called for understanding the residents’ concerns.
“We have been abandoned,” said Olivier, a resident of Le Porge, in an interview with RTL. “The damage is already done. We have lost the forest, houses, cars — practically everything.”
Compensation and the Situation in Var
In France, discussions are ongoing about whether the state should provide additional compensation to the victims. Although home insurance is mandatory and typically covers fire-related damages, a survey by the newspaper Le Figaro found that 67.75% of respondents support additional state aid, while 32.25% oppose it.
The prefecture of Gironde has allowed thousands of evacuees to return to the settlements of Lege-Cap-Ferret and Le Porge, with the exception of those in camping areas.
In the Var department, which remains under an “orange” level of danger due to the heat, firefighters are preparing for another challenging evening. The fire that started on Friday near the Gros Bessillon massif is currently under control but not yet fully extinguished. It has already destroyed about 1,800 hectares.
The fire threatened several settlements, whose residents have been able to return home after evacuation. “The next battle will begin tonight due to strengthening winds and low humidity,” reported Lieutenant Colonel Michel Audier, a spokesperson for the fire service.
“Our units remain on site and continue to extinguish the remaining hotspots,” reported the firefighters of Var. To combat the fire, three heavy helicopters (Black Hawk and Puma), two light helicopters, two amphibious Canadair aircraft, and command helicopters are deployed. Additionally, the military transport aircraft A400M will use a special red fire-retardant compound to prevent the possible spread of fire in Gironde.
According to Stephane Neppere, a spokesperson for the Var fire service, the fire did not spread overnight, and rescuers continued to extinguish the remaining hotspots.
The French Ministry of the Interior reported the arrest of 375 individuals, including 142 minors, in connection with arson cases. The department estimates that about 70% of fires may have human origins.
Fire Situation and New Heatwave
Firefighters are continuing their efforts in the departments of Gironde, Var, and Aude, trying to prevent new hotspots. In the most affected area, Le Porge, the prefecture has allowed the return of thousands of evacuated residents, except for the areas of Le Ferron and Plaine-Soleil, where demining is ongoing due to the presence of World War II ammunition. Residents of the tourist peninsula Cap Ferret are also returning to their homes, except for those who were in campsites.
Meanwhile, the country is facing a new wave of extreme heat. Following the largest forest fires in over 70 years, France is bracing for even more challenging weather conditions. According to a forecast by Météo-France, temperatures could reach 37 °C in Île-de-France and the Rhône valley, up to 35 °C in inland areas of Normandy, and in places between Dijon and Lyon, rise to 38 °C.
