Macron called an emergency meeting due to large-scale fires near Bordeaux

French President Emmanuel Macron held an emergency government meeting in response to the massive wildfires in the Gironde department in the southwestern part of the country. The fire is approaching Bordeaux, and more than 250,000 people have already been evacuated due to the disaster.

According to authorities, the fires have destroyed about 42,000 hectares of forest. Rescue workers are preparing for a new heat wave, which could accelerate the spread of the fire and complicate efforts to combat the massive blaze.

On Monday, Macron convened an emergency government meeting to address the situation in the Gironde department, where a massive wildfire has already destroyed about 42,000 hectares of land. Following the meeting, the Élysée Palace announced that the president would personally visit the affected region.

According to the latest data, more than 250,000 people have been evacuated from dangerous areas in France. At the same time, authorities do not yet plan to evacuate Bordeaux itself, although the nearest fire front is approximately 15 kilometers from the city. Due to thick smoke in Bordeaux and most of the Gironde region, air quality has deteriorated sharply, the statement said.

Although light rain fell overnight in the area of the fire and the spread of the blaze was temporarily stabilized, the fire has not yet been contained. French authorities warn that the situation could worsen in the near future due to a new heat wave.

French government spokesperson Maud Bregon reported that military personnel have been deployed to the region to protect industrial facilities where there is a risk of explosions and chemical accidents.

“Protecting these facilities requires highly precise methods. There is a risk of explosions, chemical hazards, and other dangers typical of industrial zones,” she noted.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez emphasized that the fire remains stabilized but not under control.

“The situation remains dire and could worsen due to the approach of a new heat wave,” he said. According to him, more than 116,000 hectares have already been burned in France since the beginning of summer, which is an unprecedented figure for the country.

CNN reports this.

Russia has launched an IPSO campaign on the fires in Europe to promote its aviation industry.