28.07.2026 03:45

Forest Fire in Gironde: Renewed Heat Complicates Operations

Bordeaux - 28/07/2026: The major forest fire in Gironde has stabilized, but remains not fully under control. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the situation accordingly on Monday, July 27. Firefighters are securing the edges of the fire area and combating locations where flames are flaring up again. According to the available situation reports, around 42,000 hectares of forest and other land have been affected by the fire.The new heat wave is complicating operations. From Tuesday onward, Météo-France expects significantly rising temperatures across large parts of France; peak temperatures of up to 40 degrees are possible in the southwest. Heat, dry air and parched vegetation increase the risk that smoldering hotspots will reignite. The director of the Gironde fire and rescue service therefore warned of renewed fire activity.Emergency crews are using every more favorable weather window to inspect firebreaks, forest edges and known danger zones. Remaining hot areas must be cooled, and secured lines must be defended to prevent flames from crossing them. The classification as stabilized means only that the fire is currently no longer spreading uncontrollably. It does not mean that all fire hotspots have been extinguished, nor that the affected areas can be entered safely again.The state has reinforced its resources in the region. On Monday, the civil protection authority deployed an experimentally equipped A400M transport aircraft for wildfire-fighting operations in Gironde for the first time. The aircraft can drop fire-retardant additive and supplements forces already deployed on...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 03:30

Volunteer Firefighter Dies in On-Duty Crash in Bouches-du-Rhone

Saint-Etienne-du-Gres - 27 July 2026: A volunteer firefighter died in a traffic accident in Bouches-du-Rhone on Monday evening. The 38-year-old was a member of the Saint-Etienne-du-Gres fire and rescue center. According to the departmental fire and rescue service, SDIS 13, he was on duty when his vehicle left the road for reasons that remain unclear.The man had been assigned to a precautionary unit deployed to fight wildfires. He had left his post to supply a fire engine with fuel. The accident occurred during this journey. According to the information published so far, the firefighter was alone in the vehicle. There have so far been no...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 03:15

Aerial Images Show the Scale of the Wildfires in Gironde and Landes

Biscarrosse - 28 July 2026: Charred pine forests, wide firebreaks and isolated spared areas: aerial images from Gironde and the Landes department show the scale of the severe fires of recent days. According to the National Gendarmerie, the two fires had affected more than 32,000 hectares in Gironde and around 3,000 hectares in the Landes department by 25 July. Large parts of the Landes de Gascogne forest massif have therefore been affected.The fire in Gironde broke out on 22 July north of the Bassin d'Arcachon. Under difficult weather conditions, the blaze spread rapidly and forced authorities to carry out extensive evacuations, including on the Cap...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 03:01

Wildfires in the Southwest: Biscarrosse Gives the All-Clear, Saumos Remains at Risk

Biscarrosse - 28 July 2026: The situation in the severe wildfires in southwestern France developed differently on Monday, 27 July. In the Landes department, the prefecture declared the fire near Biscarrosse stopped in the evening. The fire was no longer spreading, and no new fire fronts had been identified. Emergency personnel remained on site because of remaining risks and ongoing safety operations.Around 15,000 previously evacuated people were allowed to return to Biscarrosse, Parentis-en-Born and Sanguinet. Guests at the La Rive campsite, located north of Biscarrosse, were also permitted to return. Several districts of Biscarrosse nevertheless remained closed, including Navarrosse, En Chon, Mayotte, Goubern, Le Bosque, Millas, En Bergoin, Caillau and En Bonnet.The RD652 and RD46 roads between Biscarrosse, Parentis-en-Born and Sanguinet were initially reopened only with restrictions. On Monday evening, they could be used by local residents and people travelling for medical, economic or professional reasons. Security personnel monitored access points to ensure that routes remained clear for firefighters and emergency services.In Gironde, the considerably larger fire near Saumos continued...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 02:45

Wildfire near Biscarrosse halted: 15,000 people allowed to return

Biscarrosse - 28 July 2026: According to the authorities, the wildfire near Biscarrosse in the north of the Landes department has been halted in its spread. President Emmanuel Macron described it as good news for the region on Monday evening at the operations center of the fire and rescue service in Bordeaux. The fire front is therefore not advancing any further for the time being; however, the operation is not yet over.The prefecture allowed around 15,000 previously evacuated people to return to secured parts of Biscarrosse, Parentis-en-Born and Sanguinet. The decision is based on technical assessments by the fire service and the Gendarmerie. The authorization applies exclusively to designated zones. Several neighborhoods in Biscarrosse, including Navarrosse, En Chon, Mayotte, Goubern, Le Bosque, Millas, En Bergoin, Caillaou and En Bonnet, remain closed.The fire broke out in Biscarrosse on Thursday, 23 July, and spread rapidly in unfavorable weather conditions. According to the most recently published figures, it affected around 3,600 hectares. A total of 198 buildings were destroyed. During the acute danger...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 02:31

Marcheprime Mayor Continues to Warn of Fire Risk

Marcheprime - 28 July 2026: The mayor of Marcheprime, Manuel Martinez, warned on Monday evening against declaring an all-clear too soon in the major fire in Gironde. Although the fire has been stabilized, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, it is not yet under control. The municipality remains at risk, Martinez said on French television. Particular concerns include possible new fire outbreaks and shifting winds.The fire broke out near Saumos on 22 July and, according to the situation report published on Monday, had already affected around 42,000 hectares. In Marcheprime, operations focused on the border with Cestas and the area along Departmental Road 1250. Firefighters...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 02:15

Wildfire Smoke Affects Air Quality Far Beyond the Gironde

Bordeaux - 28 July 2026: The severe wildfires in the Gironde and Landes departments are affecting air quality far beyond the immediate fire zones. Westerly air currents have carried the smoke beyond southwestern France. Monitoring stations recorded elevated particulate matter concentrations even in regions hundreds of kilometres away from the fires.According to the regional air quality organisation Atmo, wildfire smoke contains particulate matter, soot, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, among other substances. Particles in the PM2.5 category are of particular health concern: because of their small diameter, they can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and, in some cases, reach the lung...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 00:46

Bordeaux sets up exhibition hall as emergency shelter for evacuees

Bordeaux - 27.07.2026: More than 1,000 people who had to leave their homes because of the wildfires in Gironde were still being housed on Monday at the Bordeaux-Lac exhibition grounds. Within a few days, temporary infrastructure has been created in the large hall, including beds and rest areas, drinking water, hot drinks and meals. The emergency shelter is primarily intended for evacuees who cannot stay with relatives or friends.According to Bordeaux Métropole, the site is designed to accommodate up to 10,000 people. On Saturday, July 25, around 7,000 people temporarily sought shelter there, according to media reports. Since then, the number has fallen significantly. However,...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 00:31

Wildfire in Gironde impacts tourism and businesses

Bordeaux - 27.07.2026: The severe wildfire in Gironde is affecting the tourism industry at the start of the summer peak season. Prefect Sophie Brocas has urgently called on holidaymakers planning a trip to the department to postpone their arrival for the time being. Guests already in the area should choose another destination if possible. The reasons are the ongoing firefighting operations, evacuations and smoke exposure.Areas west and northwest of Bordeaux, as well as tourist destinations near the burning forest areas, are particularly affected. After the fire flared up strongly again during the night of 27 July, it initially did not spread further. Nevertheless, authorities continued...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 00:17

Wildfire in Gironde affects more than 13,000 businesses

Bordeaux - 27/07/2026: The wildfires in Gironde have forced the evacuation of more than 13,000 businesses, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Around 7,000 craft businesses and 6,300 commercial companies are currently unable to operate normally. Economy Minister Roland Lescure announced after a crisis meeting with regional business representatives that affected employers can apply for short-time work.The measure applies to businesses in evacuated or restricted areas whose operations have been suspended or can only continue on a limited basis because of official access restrictions. Companies outside these zones may also generally qualify if preventive measures by the authorities directly affect their activities. In their application, they must explain the specific consequences the restrictions have for their operations.The Bordeaux Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry has set up a crisis unit. In addition to short-time work, it provides information on tax and financial support as well as special Urssaf arrangements for employers and self-employed people. These may help in particular with payment deadlines and ongoing social security contributions. For businesses...

Aktuell Read 28.07.2026 00:01

A400M establishes wildfire protection lines in Gironde

Saumos - 27/07/2026: A military Airbus A400M is supporting emergency crews battling the major wildfire in the Saumos and Cap-Ferret area of Gironde. The aircraft drops a red flame-retardant agent over vegetation. The French Interior Ministry confirmed on Monday that the aircraft has been deployed since July 25. The operation is based on a programme initially established on a trial basis by the Interior and Defence Ministries and manufacturer Airbus.Unlike firefighting water, the fire retardant is not dropped directly onto the flames. It treats vegetation ahead of the fire front and is intended to create protection lines along which the blaze spreads more slowly. According...

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 23:45

Three women injured in knife attack at Porte de Clichy

Paris - 27/07/2026: Three women were injured in a knife attack near Porte de Clichy in the 17th arrondissement on Monday morning. According to the Paris Police Prefecture, the attack occurred at around 11:30 a.m. in the northwest of the capital. The alleged attacker was arrested shortly afterwards. Emergency personnel temporarily cordoned off the immediate crime scene.Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said after the Cabinet meeting that the man attacked the women with two kitchen knives. The victims were women aged 19, 24 and 36. Two of them sustained serious injuries. Emergency services treated all three women and took them to hospitals. No further details about...

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 23:31

PNF Seeks Trial of BNP Paribas and Members of the Bongo Family

Paris - 27 July 2026: The French National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) has requested that BNP Paribas and several children of former Gabonese President Omar Bongo be brought before the Paris criminal court. According to judicial sources, the request concerns a total of 23 individuals and legal entities. The case concerns assets allegedly acquired in France using misappropriated public funds. The request does not yet constitute a decision to open a criminal trial.The investigation was opened in Paris in 2010 and formally concluded on 28 March 2025. It stems from a complaint filed in 2007 by Transparency International France, supported by the organization Sherpa. Investigators examined whether real estate and other assets held by the Bongo family in France were financed with unlawfully obtained funds. Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2009.According to previously disclosed investigation files, the company Atelier 74 plays a central role. Omar Bongo is said to have handed the company at least 52 million euros in cash to handle property purchases and renovations for his family. The judiciary suspects BNP Paribas of failing to adequately meet its anti-money-laundering due diligence obligations regarding the company's account transactions and of failing to file a suspicious activity report. The bank had already been formally charged in connection with this matter in 2021.At the conclusion of the investigation, 24 people had been formally charged, including eleven descendants of Omar Bongo, several French businesspeople and companies. Family...

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 23:15

Three Women Injured in Knife Attack at Porte de Clichy

Porte de Clichy - 27 July 2026: A man armed with two kitchen knives attacked three women on Monday morning in northwestern Paris. The incident occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. at Porte de Clichy in the 17th arrondissement, a busy transport hub with connections to the metro, tram and suburban rail services. The victims are aged 19, 24 and 36. Emergency services took all three to hospital.Two of the women sustained serious injuries and were treated as medical emergencies. One was wounded in the lower back and the other in the abdomen, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said after the cabinet meeting. Based on the information...

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 23:00

Arson Attack on Carla Moreau’s Car: Investigation into Attempted Extortion

Marseille - 27 July 2026: Following the burning of a car belonging to influencer Carla Moreau, the Marseille public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation. Among other things, it is examining suspicions of attempted extortion by an organized group. The vehicle of the 29-year-old, known from French reality television, was set on fire overnight from 22 to 23 July in Marseille.A letter was reportedly left at Moreau's home demanding 60,000 euros. According to police sources, the letter bore the name "DZ Mafia". Investigators must determine who wrote it and whether there is a direct connection between the demand for money and the arson attack. The...

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 22:16

Wildfire in Gironde: Fire Service Representative Calls for Lessons to Be Learned from the 2022 Fires

Saumos - 27/07/2026: The smell of fire still hangs over the northern part of the Arcachon Bay area. Emergency crews are securing the edges of the exceptionally large wildfire that broke out near Saumos on 22 July and had affected around 42,000 hectares by the weekend, according to authorities. On Monday, the situation was considered stabilized, but the fire had not yet been declared fully extinguished or permanently under control.Olivier Richefou, president of the National Conference of Fire and Rescue Services, linked the ongoing operation to sharp criticism of political preparedness. Too little had been done since the devastating fires of summer 2022 to better protect forests, settlements and emergency personnel, he said. The accusation is a political assessment rather than an official accounting of the measures taken since then.The scale of the operation explains the urgency of the debate. According to the Gendarmerie, more than 900 officers were deployed in Gironde to secure evacuations, monitor restricted areas and support firefighters. In threatened zones, emergency personnel went door to door....

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 22:02

Wildfires in Gironde: Exhausted Firefighters Continue to Battle the Flames

Bordeaux - 27/07/2026: Firefighters from numerous regions of France are continuing to battle the severe wildfires in Gironde. According to the authorities, the night was generally calmer, but the fires are not yet under control. Emergency crews are securing fire perimeters, tackling hotspots and trying to prevent shifting winds from reigniting individual fire zones.In addition to local fire and rescue services, reinforcements from other departments are on duty. Many teams have been working under severe physical strain for days. The flames are not the only danger: dense smoke, high temperatures, suddenly changing winds and heavy emergency vehicles on narrow access roads are complicating firefighting efforts. Reports from the scene describe firefighters who are becoming increasingly exhausted but continuing their work.According to the Interior Ministry, fires have already destroyed 116,085 hectares in France since the beginning of the year. In Gironde and the neighboring department of Landes, resources are focused on two particularly severe fire situations. To support ground crews, civil protection also deployed an A400M military transport aircraft. The aircraft...

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 21:45

Macron Warns in Bordeaux of Persistently Difficult Wildfire Situation

Bordeaux - 27 July 2026: President Emmanuel Macron warned during his visit to Bordeaux of a prolonged and demanding phase in the fight against wildfires in southwestern France. The coming weeks would be difficult, he said on Monday after an interministerial crisis meeting. The head of state praised the work of firefighters, the Gendarmerie, the military and local authorities.Macron was also responding to initial criticism of the state's preparedness and the firefighting resources available. An assessment of the measures would not be appropriate in the middle of a major ongoing operation, he said. In doing so, the Élysée Palace is separating the immediate response to...

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 21:16

Macron Visits Fire-Hit Area in Gironde and Warns of Difficult Weeks

Gironde - 27 July 2026: President Emmanuel Macron visited the Gironde department on Monday, where a forest and vegetation fire that has been raging since July 22 has affected around 42,000 hectares, according to official figures. Following an interministerial crisis meeting at the Interior Ministry, he met emergency personnel and local officials. The coming weeks would be difficult, Macron said; France must withstand this strain together.Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the fire as stabilised, but not yet fully extinguished. This distinction is significant for the operation: the spread has for now been contained, but new fire outbreaks or a resurgence in windy and dry conditions...

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 21:01

Fire near Saumos: Investigators examine vegetation-clearing work as a possible cause

Saumos - 27 July 2026: Between pine forest and the roads leading to the Bassin d'Arcachon, a fire broke out around midday on Wednesday, 22 July, with consequences extending far beyond the municipality of Saumos. In the search for the cause of the fire, investigators are now focusing on vegetation work near a high-voltage power line. However, this remains a working hypothesis in an ongoing investigation.The Bordeaux public prosecutor's office said on Friday, 24 July, following initial investigations by the Lesparre-Médoc Gendarmerie, that an unintentional cause is currently considered likely. According to the information available, a machine may have started the fire during vegetation-clearing work....

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 20:45

Wildfire near Marcheprime: Firebreaks aim to slow the flames

Marcheprime - 27 July 2026: Following the evacuation of Marcheprime, around 30 kilometres southwest of Bordeaux, firefighters and other emergency personnel continue to battle the wildfire in the Gironde department. The municipality said on the evening of Sunday, 26 July, that no homes had been reached by the flames so far. In the northwest of the municipal area, near a photovoltaic facility and towards Pierroton, crews had s쳮ded in containing the fire to a relative extent.Changing wind directions had previously worsened the situation. On Saturday, 25 July, the authorities warned that the fire was rapidly approaching from the direction of Blagon and prepared residents for...

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 20:31

Statuette Affair: Dominique de Villepin Questioned by Investigators in July

Paris - 27 July 2026: In the affair concerning valuable objects that Dominique de Villepin is alleged to have received during his time as foreign minister, investigators have taken another step. The former prime minister was questioned in mid-July in what is known as a voluntary interview. The National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) confirmed this on Monday. Lobbyist Robert Bourgi was also questioned in the proceedings, according to the office.The investigation was opened in May. It concerns suspicions of handling stolen goods in connection with possible embezzlement of public funds, as well as related offenses. According to the PNF, the case concerns the circumstances under which de Villepin is alleged to have received a statuette and a bust between 2002 and 2004, when he headed the Foreign Ministry.The current procedural step does not amount to charges or a finding of criminal conduct. The prosecutor's office merely stated that several investigative measures had been taken, including interviews. Details concerning the content, duration and location of the hearings were not published. It...

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 20:15

The GR20 as a Film Backdrop: Corsica’s Hiking Legend Between Longing and Reality

Corte - 27/07/2026: The GR20, Corsica's famous long-distance hiking trail, appears in a recent Franceinfo report as a landscape with a leading role of its own. The midday program follows in the footsteps of Philippe Harel's 1997 comedy "Les Randonneurs." In it, Benoît Poelvoorde is part of a hiking group whose holiday fluctuates between exhaustion, friendship and self-deception. Corsica's high mountains are far more than an impressive backdrop: they become the characters' relentless counterpart.The cinematic return explains why the GR20 has retained its appeal. Its Corsican nickname, "Fra li monti," means "through the mountains." From Calenzana in the northwest to Conca in the southeast, the...

Aktuell Read 27.07.2026 20:00

Dordogne: Man placed under formal investigation over attempted rape allegations

Dordogne - 27/07/2026: A man has been placed under formal investigation in Dordogne. He is accused of entering the homes of an adult woman and a teenage girl and attempting to rape each resident. According to Franceinfo, the alleged acts took place in June and July 2026.Both alleged victims accuse the suspect of forcibly gaining access to their homes. Once inside, he allegedly attempted to commit sexual violence against them. Further details about the locations within the southwestern French department, the man's age and identity, or any possible relationship between him and the alleged victims were not initially released.The opening of a formal investigation by...

Aktuell Read