Macron Urges Unity Against Southwest France Wildfire

LEGE-CAP FERRET, France (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron inspired and motivated fire crews Monday as they worked to control a massive wildfire. Macron emphasized the effort required, expressing confidence in the eventual success, saying, “We will win this battle together.”

• Macron visited a coordination center managing the firefighting operation in southwestern France.
• The unpredictable blaze has burned through an area four times the size of Paris.
• 220,000 people have been evacuated, marking France’s most severe fire crisis since World War II.

Firefighters halted the blaze’s progress toward Bordeaux, but officials warned that dried forests still posed a threat due to recent heatwaves and upcoming temperature forecasts. Macron stated, “The weeks ahead will be hard. We must hold firm.”

Thousands of firefighters and aircraft deployed to contain the fire before temperatures increase, with forecasts predicting highs of 35 C (95 F) in southwest France starting Tuesday.

Authorities focus on supporting the displaced population, who faced traumatic evacuations. About 250,000 people were driven away by two fires, though no new evacuations occurred Monday. With the tourist season approaching, travel was restricted, and holiday camps were canceled to minimize risk.

Crews cut into forests to create barriers against the flames, assisted by farmers supplying water. The Gironde region fire chief described the difficulty posed by the relentless and unpredictable fire. Macron commended their efforts, preparing them for potentially more complex challenges.

Significant international support has arrived, with around a dozen countries offering aid to France and Spain, with fires displacing over 330,000 people across both nations.

Spain experienced similar challenges with fires near Madrid and Valencia. About 79,000 evacuations occurred, and 30,000 confinements were enforced. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez labeled the crisis as part of a broader climate emergency.

The Avila region of Spain saw a record-breaking fire, which scorched 500 square kilometers. David Gonzalez, a local gardener, expressed deep emotion and concern regarding the devastation caused.

The statistics show that fires in Spain have already burned six times more land than in the first half of 2025. A future heatwave poses additional threats, with temperatures expected to reach over 40 C (104 F).

Wildfire threats extend to Italy, where fires in Peschici led to evacuations and the deployment of water-bombing planes, reminiscent of significant fires in the past.

Associated Press writers contributed to this report.