Faced with the increasing number of fires and the worsening situation in Gironde and Landes, Emmanuel Macron France announced the activation of the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism. France will receive support from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, with the deployment of six aircraft specializing in firefighting.
Two Canadair water bombers, two Air Tractors and two Black Hawks expected
The European mechanism is designed to facilitate the rapid deployment of two Croatian Canadair water bombers, two Portuguese Air Tractor water bombers, and two Black Hawk heavy-lift helicopters, one Czech and one Slovakian. These foreign resources will support French aircraft and the thousands of firefighters already deployed on multiple fronts. The European mechanism coordinates and finances the deployment of equipment, aircraft, and personnel when a country's capabilities are under exceptional strain. For the summer of 2026, the European Union has a fleet of 22 water bomber aircraft and five helicopters available for deployment.
“My thoughts are with our firefighters and rescue workers who are tirelessly battling the flames. Their courage commands respect. France has requested the activation of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. We will soon be able to count on reinforcements from two Croatian Canadair water bombers, two Portuguese Air Tractor aircraft, and two Czech and Slovak Black Hawk heavy-lift helicopters. This concrete, rapid, and operational solidarity is a precious asset in this ordeal. Thank you to our European partners for their support.”, said Emmanuel Macron.
The Cap-Ferret peninsula evacuated
The situation is particularly critical in the Gironde department. The fire, which started in Saumos, has spread northward toward the Arcachon Basin and the town of Lège-Cap-Ferret. On Friday morning, authorities ordered the complete evacuation of all remaining inhabited areas on the Cap-Ferret peninsula. Boat departures were organized from several docks, while those with vehicles had to use the only road connecting the peninsula to the rest of the department. The fire has already burned approximately 8,700 hectares and remains active. Homes have been threatened or damaged, and firefighters have had to conduct protection operations close to houses.
More than 23,000 people evacuated in the Landes region
Another intense wildfire broke out near Biscarrosse and Sanguinet, about 40 kilometers south of Cap-Ferret. The flames consumed approximately 2,500 hectares in just a few hours, in conditions made extremely unfavorable by wind, drought, and highly flammable vegetation. More than 23,000 people were evacuated from the area, mainly residents and vacationers staying in campgrounds. A holiday camp and a retirement home were also protected. Local farmers were asked to provide water tankers to support the firefighting efforts.
Outbreaks still active in the Hautes-Alpes and Haute-Corse regions
Tensions also remain high in the Hautes-Alpes. Between L'Argentière-la-Bessée and Freissinières, the fire in the Bois Noir massif has already burned approximately 220 hectares. Sparked by lightning, it is spreading through a mountainous area that is difficult to access, where firefighters must contend with steep slopes, rockfalls, and strong winds. Around 200 firefighters and several water-bombing helicopters have been deployed. In Haute-Corse, two fires have ravaged nearly 900 hectares. The Albertacce fire has been contained after burning approximately 300 hectares, but remains under surveillance. In the Restonica Valley, near Corte, several fires remain active after the destruction of more than 600 hectares of forest and scrubland. Operations are focused on protecting the Restonica road, mountain huts, and sensitive natural areas.
Emmanuel Macron calls for "utmost vigilance"
The President of the Republic called on the entire population to strictly respect the prevention guidelines and restrictions imposed in exposed areas.
"The situation remains extremely tense due to the fires raging across the country, particularly in the Gironde, Landes, Hautes-Alpes, and Haute-Corse regions. I urge our fellow citizens to exercise the utmost vigilance. Every action counts to protect our lives, our homes, our forests, and our landscapes."he warned.
Authorities are asking people not to enter closed forest areas, not to discard cigarette butts, not to use any spark-producing devices near vegetation, and to report any fires immediately. The figures remain provisional and could change rapidly.
