Reuters. Firefighters battled a fast-moving wildfire in southwestern France on Thursday (July 23) after more than 10,000 people were evacuated overnight from campsites and communities in the Gironde department.
The blaze, burning west of Bordeaux near the Arcachon Bay tourist area, had scorched at least 3,100 hectares by Thursday, authorities said.
Emergency services evacuated residents and holidaymakers as flames spread through the area.
French army personnel and military vehicles were also deployed to assist the emergency response as firefighters worked to contain the blaze and protect nearby communities.
The wildfire comes as France faces another summer of heightened fire risk amid hot and dry conditions.
