A fierce fire broke out on 22 July in the commune of Saumos, in Gironde, before spreading rapidly towards Le Porge and then Lège-Cap-Ferret. Nearly 8,700 hectares of forest have already been engulfed by the flames, which continue to advance towards the north of the peninsula, posing a direct threat to homes and residents. The situation remains fluid.
Update at 08.45: Full evacuation of the Cap-Ferret peninsula
Latest figures from the prefecture: 8,700 hectares have been consumed by the fire. To protect the public, the gradual evacuation of the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula is continuing via the RD106 and by sea. As the wind direction changes in the area, the Prefect of Gironde, Sophie Brocas, has ordered the third and final phase of the evacuation.
Anyone still on the peninsula must leave immediately via the RD106 towards Bordeaux.
Ferry services are available from 7.00 am to 10.00 am from the jetties at Grand Piquey, Le Canon, Port de la Vigne and Bélisaire.
Significant traffic congestion is currently being reported. The authorities are asking the public to remain calm, to follow instructions strictly and to allow the numerous emergency vehicles operating in the area to pass unhindered.
Exceptional mobilisation of emergency services
Given the scale of the disaster, more than 800 firefighters have been mobilised, supported by several hundred vehicles and significant aerial resources. Reinforcements from numerous departments have also been deployed to bolster local teams. Their priority is to protect the public, defend homes under threat and contain the spread of the fire, which remains particularly fierce in this area.
One firefighter was injured during the operations, highlighting the dangers faced by emergency services in these extreme conditions. Despite the difficulties, the teams are redoubling their efforts to limit the damage and secure the exposed areas.
Mass evacuations and strict instructions
Nearly 20,000 people have already been evacuated since the fire began, a figure that could rise further in the coming hours. The Prefect of Gironde, Sophie Brocas, has ordered the immediate evacuation of the first villages on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula, notably Claouey, Les Fours, Jacquet, Petit Piquey and Grand Piquey. Residents affected must leave the area without delay, taking the D106 towards Bordeaux.
The municipality of Le Porge has also carried out a precautionary evacuation of its entire population, with a designated route via Le Temple (D107) and a meeting point at the Le Temple village hall. A reception centre has been opened at the Bordeaux Exhibition Centre (Hall 3) to accommodate those evacuated.
The authorities stress the need to strictly follow the instructions issued via FR-Alert messages and official channels. The public are urged not to go to the scene so as not to hinder the rescue operations and evacuations currently underway.
Property damage and road closures
Several homes have already been destroyed by the flames, whilst many others are currently being protected by the fire service. Property damage could worsen if the fire continues to spread, against a backdrop where a red alert for forest fires is already in place in Gironde.
Many roads remain closed to facilitate the work of the emergency services. The authorities stress that these restrictions are essential to ensure the safety of the teams and the evacuated populations.
A tense national situation
This fire comes at a time when several major blazes are simultaneously straining national resources, particularly in the Landes, where another major fire is currently burning. The Gironde, which is on the highest alert level, is facing a critical situation, with resources already stretched to the limit.
If you are subject to an evacuation order, leave the area immediately, following the routes specified by the authorities. To report a fire after you have alerted the emergency services, please use the dedicated form.