Key facts
- France has experienced record wildfire destruction by mid-July, with over 42,000 hectares burned.
- The current year's burned area surpasses the previous record set in 2022.
- Two firefighters died while battling a blaze near Bordeaux international airport.
- A wildfire in southern France forced hundreds from their homes and left many without power.
- Dry conditions are cited as the cause for the extreme forest-fire risk.
France is grappling with unprecedented wildfire destruction, with over 42,000 hectares of land consumed by mid-July, surpassing the previous record set in 2022. President Emmanuel Macron stated that the country has not faced such a high number of fire outbreaks since the end of World War II.
Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives on Tuesday while battling a blaze near Bordeaux international airport. The fire reportedly originated from a brush fire near an airport parking lot and spread to a building, requiring the deployment of approximately 100 firefighters, ground vehicles, and aircraft. Several airport access routes were closed, and flights experienced delays.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased firefighters and commended the efforts of their colleagues. He announced his intention to visit the scene as soon as possible. President Macron also extended the nation's condolences and support to the victims' families and all firefighters.
In southern France, a separate wildfire erupted, forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes and causing power outages. Officials noted the fire's rapid descent down Gros Bessillon mountain, which was unexpected given the climatic conditions. French weather service Meteo-France attributed the extreme fire risk to dry conditions in the region.
The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) reported that the area burned by mid-July has already significantly exceeded the total for all of 2025. The devastated area is estimated to be about four times the size of Paris.