Wildfires have reignited in some parts of France that were previously burned, as a new heatwave approaches, potentially worsening wildfire conditions across multiple European countries.
On Tuesday, 28 Jul 2026 GMT+7, wildfires in Gironde province in southwestern France intensified again, with firefighters working around the clock. The area is preparing for the fourth heatwave of the summer, arriving Wednesday (29 Jul), expected to push temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius.
A spokesperson for the French National Firefighters Federation described the situation as a “David fighting Goliath,” noting that four firefighters have died in recent weeks. Over 2,000 firefighters have been deployed to control the fires in Gironde.
The governor of Gironde reported 14 new wildfire flare-ups in previously burned areas, with the fires having destroyed about 240 homes so far.
Authorities also arrested a 23-year-old man in Var province suspected of arson that caused wildfires; he faces up to 15 years in prison. Since 6 July, over 184 suspected arsonists have been detained.
In Bordeaux, wildfires have come within 15 kilometers of the city. Although the city itself is not directly threatened, it is engulfed in smoke and ash, leading shops and restaurants to close and a noticeable drop in tourism.
So far, French authorities have evacuated more than 220,000 people at risk from the fires, including about 4,000 campers near the coastal town of Lacanau. Residents not ordered to evacuate but living near fires have been advised to stay indoors due to severe air pollution.
Meanwhile, Spain is experiencing temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius, with over 70,000 people evacuated during the past week. Some have begun returning home as conditions improve.
In Portugal, around 400 firefighters are intensively battling three large wildfires near Guarda city in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:bbc