French Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornoux announced on August 1 that extensive forest fires across the country have been brought under control.
In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Lecornoux stated that the situation in France had stabilized due to “the remarkable work of emergency services, favorable weather conditions, and continuous monitoring efforts.” He added that residents evacuated earlier were beginning to return home as a positive sign but emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
The fires, which have raged across both France and Spain amid severe heatwaves, prompted significant national responses. French media reported on July 27 that a fire in Gironde department destroyed 175 homes out of 1,617 in Le Porge, with flames consuming half of the municipality’s 15,000-hectare territory.
President Emmanuel Macron described the crisis as unprecedented, calling it “the country’s worst emergency since World War II.” By July 28, over 2,750 firefighters, 1,500 military personnel, and 1,440 internal security forces were deployed to combat the blazes, supported by 18 aircraft.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported on July 30 that 275 individuals had been detained in France on suspicion of starting wildfires. Additionally, a second fire erupted in Fontainebleau forest late on July 30, which was contained after approximately 100 firefighters worked overnight to limit it to about six hectares.
