Wildfire forces another 55,000 people to evacuate in southwest France

A wildfire in southwest France has forced the evacuation of an additional 55,000 people overnight Sunday, bringing the total evacuated in the Gironde region to 220,000. The flames are nearing Bordeaux, with authorities issuing evacuation orders for five more localities southwest of the city. Gusting winds are accelerating the spread of the fire, which has been burning out of control since midweek. A major highway southwest of Bordeaux has been partially closed. A separate fire in the Landes region has already caused 30,000 people to evacuate, pushing the total displaced by blazes in the area to over 250,000.

Over 20,000 people, including tourists, have been evacuated from France's Atlantic coast near Bordeaux due to an intense wildfire. The blaze, which began in dense pine forest near Saumos on Thursday, has already burned 2,400 hectares in less than 24 hours. Authorities report the situation remains unfavorable despite efforts by 700 firefighters and four waterbombing planes. No casualties or destroyed homes have been reported so far, but the fires are exacerbated by heatwaves and dry conditions. Nine municipalities have opened reception centers for evacuees, and investigations into the fire's cause are underway.