In response to the scale of the fires ravaging the Gironde and Landes regions, the government has announced a significant increase in resources deployed on the ground. Following an interministerial crisis meeting, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu indicated that more than 500 additional military personnel would join the firefighting operations, bringing the total number of troops involved to over 1,000, supporting the firefighters.
The government also decided to ship 1,5 million FFP2 masks to the Gironde region starting Friday night to protect residents and personnel exposed to the heavy smoke from the fires. The emergency plan has also been activated in healthcare facilities to prepare for a potential surge in medical needs.
A situation deemed "unprecedented"
According to the Prime Minister, the fires have now reached an "unprecedented level." More than 141,000 people have already been evacuated in the Gironde and Landes departments, while the fire that broke out in Saumos has burned through approximately 14,000 hectares, destroying dozens of homes and a campsite. Authorities are carrying out further preventative evacuations around the Arcachon Basin to protect those at risk.
The smoke also causes a significant deterioration in air quality. Atmo Nouvelle-Aquitaine has reported a fine particulate matter (PM₁₀) pollution episode and recommends avoiding prolonged exposure to smoke plumes, especially for the most vulnerable people.
Increased resources to contain the fires
Military reinforcements will support firefighters in their missions to protect the population, secure evacuated areas, and provide logistical support. This increase in personnel is part of an exceptional national mobilization, as several major fires remain active in southwestern France.
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