Fires in Gironde: the prefect speaks of a first day of hope

Posted on 31 July 2026 1 minute read

After more than a week of fighting the flames in southwestern France, the prefect of Gironde welcomed on Friday the "first somewhat optimistic day" since the outbreak of the fires which have forced 220,000 people to evacuate.

The fires broke out more than a week ago in the region, mobilizing hundreds of firefighters to try to contain their spread.

The scale of the disaster remains considerable: 220,000 people have been evacuated from their homes since the fires began. Firefighting teams are continuing their operations on the ground, but the prefect's statement marks a shift in the tone of the authorities, which until now had been decidedly alarmist.

Gironde, a department in southwestern France, is one of the areas most affected by these fires, which are occurring in a context of drought and intense heat hitting a large part of Europe this summer.

Radouan Kourak

Journalist and entrepreneur Radouan Kourak is passionate about history and politics. He is known for his analytical skills, his ability to debate, and his passion for the exchange of ideas. Discovered by Cyril Hanouna, he is a regular on television talk shows. He simultaneously manages several entrepreneurial projects in media, public affairs, and real estate, with a results-oriented and growth-driven approach.

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