France has sought emergency assistance from the European Union as a major wildfire continues to spread near the country’s Atlantic coast. The request came as firefighters struggled to control the rapidly growing blaze in the Gironde region.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the situation remained highly concerning due to the ongoing fires affecting the country. He shared the update on social media platform on Friday.
“The situation remains extremely tense with the fires hitting our country, particularly in Gironde,” wrote Macron on a private post.
The French president added that the country had activated the European Union’s civil protection mechanism to receive additional support. He said several aircraft and helicopters would soon arrive to assist local emergency teams.
“France has requested the activation of the European Union’s civil protection mechanism. We will soon be able to count on reinforcements from two Croatian Canadair aircraft, two Portuguese Air Tractor planes, as well as two heavy Black Hawk helicopters from the Czech Republic and Slovakia,” he added.
Thousands Evacuated as Wildfire Expands
The wildfire has created a serious emergency in southwestern France, where thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes.
Officials said more than 10,000 people were evacuated overnight after the flames spread across large areas west of Bordeaux. The fire damaged at least 2,400 hectares of land, increasing concerns among authorities.
Firefighters have been working continuously to contain the blaze as strong winds and dry conditions make the situation more difficult. Moreover, emergency services have focused on protecting nearby communities and preventing further damage.
The Gironde region has faced several major wildfires in recent years due to extreme weather conditions and rising temperatures. Therefore, authorities have increased efforts to improve firefighting coordination and emergency response.
EU Assistance to Strengthen Firefighting Efforts
France’s decision to request European support highlights the growing challenge of managing large-scale wildfires during extreme weather events.
The arrival of additional aircraft and helicopters from European partners is expected to strengthen firefighting operations. Furthermore, the international support will help French authorities respond more effectively to the expanding crisis.
As the wildfire continues, officials are urging residents to follow safety instructions and remain prepared for possible further evacuations. Meanwhile, emergency teams are working to bring the situation under control and protect affected areas.
