25.07.2026 23:30

Wildfire near Cap Ferret: Images show the scale of the destruction

Lège-Cap-Ferret - 25 July 2026: New footage from the Gironde shows the consequences of the wildfire that has been changing the landscape north of the Bassin d'Arcachon since 22 July. Charred pine forests, veils of smoke and wide firebreaks dominate the images from the area between Saumos, Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret. The documentation makes visible what figures alone can barely convey: the fire has profoundly affected a densely forested coastal region that is heavily visited in summer.By Friday, 24 July, the fire had affected more than 10,000 hectares, according to regional authorities. At least six homes were destroyed. Over a distance of around ten kilometres, the flames moved towards the Cap Ferret peninsula, approaching a holiday and residential area whose narrow transport routes offer only limited alternatives in an emergency.The prefecture therefore ordered the phased evacuation of the entire Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula. According to local information, the precautionary measure affected around 20,000 people. On 24 July, the municipality said that the evacuation could last several days and that residents should not return to their homes for the time being. Reception centres were set up for those affected.Around 800 firefighters from different parts of France were deployed on Friday. They fought the flames on the ground and from the air. The footage captures both the fire fronts and the terrain after they passed through: blackened forest areas, severely damaged vegetation and firebreaks where the familiar contours of the landscape have disappeared.The consequences...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 23:15

Nearly 200,000 people evacuated due to wildfires in southwestern France

Bordeaux - 25 July 2026: Smoke above the pine forests, closed roads and long lines of cars are shaping southwestern France. Due to widespread wildfires in Gironde and the Landes department, nearly 200,000 people have been evacuated as a precaution from homes, holiday accommodation and residential neighborhoods, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. An evacuation on this scale has not previously taken place in France outside wartime.In Gironde alone, around 167,000 people were affected by the protective measures. Another approximately 30,000 had to leave their communities in Landes. The figures cover all evacuations ordered since the fires began. Firefighters, gendarmes and municipal crisis units are...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 22:17

Canadair Pilot Eric Durand: Continuing to Fly Despite the Feeling of Helplessness

France - 25 July 2026: When Eric Durand speaks of helplessness, he does not mean retreat. The Canadair commander in the French civil protection fleet described on Saturday evening, on the news program "20 Heures," the inner state of a pilot over a wildfire: faced with a wall of fire, one can feel powerless and must nevertheless continue carrying out the mission. The statement sounds matter-of-fact. That is precisely where the gravity of this profession lies.Durand has flown Canadair aircraft for the Securite civile, France's state civil protection service, since 2019. He is also deputy secretary-general of the SNPNAC union, which represents flight personnel. His...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 22:00

Biscarrosse: 3,000 People Allowed to Return After Forest Fire

Biscarrosse - 25 July 2026: Around 3,000 residents of Biscarrosse will be allowed to return to their apartments and homes on Saturday evening. The prefect of the Landes department authorized returns to areas that firefighters and the gendarmerie consider protected from the flames and sufficiently secure. The authorization therefore applies neither to the entire municipality nor without restrictions: conditions in individual neighborhoods and on their access roads remain decisive.The forest fire continues to spread in the Biscarrosse and Parentis-en-Born area in the north of the department. The prefecture had already described the situation as exceptional on Friday evening. Firefighting operations also continued on Saturday. Emergency crews secured threatened zones and the edges of areas where the fire had already been pushed back.For those returning, the decision initially means that they can once again access their places of residence. Evacuations and closures may remain in force in other areas. In recent days, authorities had precautionarily moved numerous residents, holidaymakers and other people out of threatened areas. Which roads and neighborhoods are...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 21:45

A400M Drops Fire Retardant Over Wildfire Area in Gironde for the First Time

Lacanau - 25 July 2026: During the severe wildfires in Gironde, a military transport aircraft of the A400M type has been used for the first time in France to drop fire retardant. The aircraft flew over the operational area near Lacanau on Saturday. According to the French Interior Ministry, the appropriately equipped aircraft can carry up to 20,000 liters of water or fire retardant. It is intended primarily to protect vulnerable areas such as transport routes and built-up zones.Unlike water, fire retardant is generally not dropped directly over the flames. It is applied to vegetation ahead of the expected fire front and is intended to slow its ignition and the further spread of the fire. This can give incident commanders time to protect homes, prepare evacuations or concentrate crews on more favorable sections. However, its effectiveness depends heavily on wind, terrain and fire intensity.Water drops remain an essential part of firefighting operations. According to the Interior Ministry, Canadair aircraft can each take on 6,000 liters from lakes or the sea...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 21:30

Wildfires in the Southwest: At Least 140,000 People Evacuated

Bordeaux - 25 July 2026: Smoke hangs over roads, holiday resorts and pine forests in southwestern France. Due to the major wildfires in Gironde and the neighboring Landes department, at least 140,000 people have been moved to safety as a precaution, according to an interim report published by the Interior Ministry. During the night of July 25, the Gironde prefecture ordered further evacuations in seven municipalities near Bordeaux.The figure refers to residents and holidaymakers who were required by authorities to leave their homes, campsites or holiday accommodation. It does not mean that all those affected have permanently lost their homes. The figure of almost 200,000...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 21:15

Wildfire near Bordeaux: Thousands accommodated at exhibition center

Bordeaux - 25 July 2026: Bags, blankets and water bottles are packed closely together in the halls of the Parc des Expositions in northern Bordeaux. Around 7,000 people from threatened communities in the metropolitan area found shelter there on Saturday. A major wildfire in Gironde had previously advanced to within around 20 kilometers of Bordeaux, forcing numerous residents to leave in haste.According to consistent reports, the evacuations affected Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, Saint-Aubin-de-Médoc, Martignas-sur-Jalle, Saint-Jean-d'Illac, Le Haillan, Eysines and parts of Mérignac, among other places. Many of those affected received the order overnight via an alert message. The evacuations were carried out as a precaution, as wind, smoke...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 21:00

Major fire in Gironde: 167,000 people moved to safety

Saumos - 25 July 2026: Dense smoke continues to hang over the pine forests north of the Bassin d'Arcachon. The major fire, which broke out near Saumos on Wednesday, 22 July, had affected around 32,700 hectares according to the update released on Saturday evening. Although the flames are spreading less intensely than in the first hours, the operation remains dangerous and difficult for firefighters to assess.According to the French Interior Ministry, the fire near Saumos is the largest forest fire of this season. The fire zone is located in a landscape of extensive forests, holiday resorts and numerous access roads. For the population, this means...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 20:45

France mobilizes 1,500 soldiers to fight wildfires in the southwest

Lacanau - 25 July 2026: France is significantly expanding the deployment of its armed forces against wildfires in the southwest of the country. Following another interministerial crisis meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, a total of 1,500 soldiers are to have been deployed in the affected areas since Saturday evening. The focus is on Gironde, where the fires have been straining emergency services and residents for several days.The Ministry of Defense described the operation as an exceptionally extensive support deployment for civilian emergency responders. Military units are to protect people and property in threatened areas, assist with evacuations and take on logistical tasks. According...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 20:30

Wildfire in Gironde threatens residential areas – further evacuations

Saumos - 25/07/2026: The large wildfire in Gironde continued to threaten residential areas on Saturday evening. The fire, which broke out on July 22 in the municipality of Saumos north of the Bassin d'Arcachon, was still not under control, according to consistent reports. Firefighters were trying to protect homes from the flames. Residents reported destroyed buildings and a fire front whose course was changing rapidly.Since it began, the blaze has spread extensively through the region's vast pine forests. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described it on July 24 as the largest wildfire of the current season. At that point, more than 10,000 hectares had already been affected, according to his ministry. On Saturday, French media, citing the authorities, reported a significantly larger burned area.Evacuations were gradually expanded. Initially, residents and holidaymakers in Saumos, Le Porge, Lège-Cap-Ferret and other locations north of the Bassin d'Arcachon had to leave their accommodation. Authorities ordered a full precautionary evacuation of the Cap-Ferret peninsula on July 24. The measure is intended to prevent people from...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 20:15

AI as a Vacation Planner: Ideas for Children Need Parental Review

Paris - 25 July 2026: An article published by Franceinfo on Saturday looks at artificial intelligence as an adviser for the summer holidays. Puzzle books, pre-prepared treasure hunts and physical activities are among the suggestions that can keep children occupied during the school break. Such lists can be generated within seconds and can take age, available time, budget or weather into account. They do not replace educational judgment or knowledge of the child.The practical benefit lies primarily in preparation. Parents can, for example, ask a language model to design a treasure hunt for a park and adapt the tasks to a child's reading ability and...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 20:02

Brazil’s right nominates Flavio Bolsonaro for presidential election

São Paulo - 25.07.2026: Brazil's Liberal Party officially selected Senator Flavio Bolsonaro as its candidate for the presidential election on Saturday at its national party convention in São Paulo. The 45-year-old son of former head of state Jair Bolsonaro is set to lead the right-wing opposition against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the first round of voting on October 4, 2026. A possible runoff is scheduled for October 25.With the nomination, the Bolsonaro family's claim to political leadership passes to its eldest son. Jair Bolsonaro cannot run himself. The Supreme Court convicted the former president of several offenses related to the attempt to...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 19:46

Wildfire near Biscarrosse spreads across up to 3,500 hectares

Biscarrosse - 25 July 2026: The wildfire near Biscarrosse in the Landes department has affected an area of around 3,400 to 3,500 hectares, according to the latest situation report. The fire broke out on Thursday near the road between Biscarrosse and Sanguinet and spread rapidly towards inhabited outskirts. On Saturday morning, the fire remained active and was still not under control.The northeastern areas along the road to Sanguinet and the southeastern section towards Parentis-en-Born have been particularly affected. The situation directly around Biscarrosse had improved compared with the previous day, the municipal administration said. Nevertheless, emergency services are focusing on protecting residential areas on the edge of the town. Homes and infrastructure there are to be secured against the spread of the flames.Since Friday evening, authorities said, the entire municipality of Parentis-en-Born and the southern part of Sanguinet have been evacuated. This brought the number of people moved to safety as a precaution to more than 30,000. Earlier, evacuations had mainly affected Biscarrosse, holiday resorts and campsites. The orders are intended to keep people away from danger zones and ensure clear access routes for emergency responders.Returning to the evacuated areas was still not permitted on Saturday morning. The municipal administration, security forces and emergency services are continuously assessing which neighbourhoods are sufficiently protected. Biscarrosse is preparing for a phased return in several stages as soon as the responsible authorities clear individual areas. There is no firm timetable so far.Authorities are...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 19:31

1,500 Soldiers Support Fight Against Wildfires Near Bordeaux

Bordeaux - 25 July 2026: France is intensifying its fight against wildfires in the southwest of the country. Starting Saturday evening, a total of 1,500 soldiers will support the fire service, the Ministry of the Armed Forces said. The move comes in response to the major fire that has been raging near Saumos in the Gironde department since Tuesday and has spread toward the greater Bordeaux area. The army is assisting with evacuations, protecting residential areas and industrial facilities, and securing critical infrastructure.Authorities ordered precautionary evacuations in Saint-Aubin-de-Médoc, Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, Martignas-sur-Jalle, Saint-Jean-d'Illac and Le Haillan. Parts of Eysines and Mérignac are also affected. According to authorities,...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 19:15

Bordeaux Cares for Evacuated Nursing Home Residents in an Exhibition Hall

Bordeaux - 25/07/2026: A medical reception point has been set up in a short time in Hall 3 of the Parc des Expositions. Care workers and other professionals are looking after elderly people who had to leave their nursing homes because of the wildfires in Gironde. For many, the evacuation means a stressful journey, unfamiliar surroundings and uncertainty about when they can return to a regular daily routine.The unit is intended for residents of facilities in the evacuated municipalities. Upon arrival, medications, care needs and health limitations must be recorded. At the same time, staff coordinate beds, accompanying persons and available places. The stay in...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 19:00

Wildfire smoke threatens health far beyond fire zones

Bordeaux - 25 July 2026: Major forest and vegetation fires in Gironde and the Landes department are once again drawing attention to the health risks posed by smoke. According to the French Ministry of the Interior, more than 50,000 hectares have burned nationwide since the start of the year; on 24 July, 32 fires were ongoing in France. Smoke plumes carried by the wind can travel hundreds of kilometres and therefore reach areas that are not directly threatened by the flames themselves.The main exposure comes from particulate matter. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and other substances produced when vegetation burns are also involved. Atmo France refers to scientific recommendations from the French health agency Anses: vegetation fires can significantly worsen air quality even at great distances. The level of exposure depends, among other factors, on wind direction, fire intensity, fuel material and weather conditions.Fine particles in the PM2.5 and PM10 size ranges penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. According to the World Health Organization, particularly small particles can...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 18:15

Government considers stricter oversight of the personal training account

Paris - 25 July 2026: The French government is considering a further reform of the personal training account, Compte personnel de formation (CPF). Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou wants future applications to be subject to prior review. Training would have to be compatible with the person's career development plan, offer realistic employment prospects and be feasible to complete successfully.According to the considerations known so far, an employer could review training if it takes place during working hours. In other cases, career development advisory services could serve as a neutral body. However, the ministry has presented neither a draft law nor a binding timetable. For now, this is a political intention rather than an applicable eligibility requirement.The CPF was introduced in 2014 and fundamentally reshaped by the law "For the Freedom to Choose One's Professional Future" of 5 September 2018. Since then, entitlements have generally been credited in euros rather than hours. Employees can select approved courses through the platform operated by the Caisse des depots et consignations. The reform was intended...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 18:00

Wildfire in Gironde: Cap-Ferret Fully Evacuated

Lège-Cap-Ferret - 25 July 2026: Due to the wildfire near Saumos, the entire Cap-Ferret peninsula in Gironde was evacuated on Friday, 24 July. According to the municipality of Lège-Cap-Ferret, more than 1,000 people were brought to safety by boat and around 12,000 more by land. Residents and holidaymakers are not yet allowed to return to their homes, hotels or holiday accommodation.The evacuation was ordered after the fire continued to spread towards Lège-Cap-Ferret. According to the municipality, emergency crews defended the town of Lège house by house during the night. At the same time, they widened a forest firebreak to slow the advance of the flames...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 17:47

Wildfires in southwestern France: Tens of thousands evacuated

Bordeaux - 25 July 2026: Dense smoke hangs over southwestern France. For tens of thousands of residents and holidaymakers, it has meant packing only the essentials in recent hours and leaving their homes, campsites or holiday accommodations. Franceinfo reported on Saturday, citing authorities, that a total of 75,000 people had been evacuated. Other reports already put the number of people affected considerably higher.There is no final tally yet. Euronews reported on Saturday that more than 140,000 people may now be affected by evacuations. The discrepancy can be explained by the dynamic situation and differing reporting times: municipalities and districts are being evacuated gradually depending on...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 17:32

Arcachon Becomes a Refuge for Evacuees from Gironde Wildfire Areas

Arcachon - 25 July 2026: On the Arcachon coast, many people sought distance from the wildfires on Saturday, which have put large parts of Gironde under pressure since Wednesday. They include holidaymakers whose stays were abruptly interrupted, as well as residents of evacuated municipalities. The town on the Bassin d'Arcachon lies outside the zones directly evacuated, but has been heavily affected by taking in those impacted and by its proximity to the fire area.According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, around 167,000 people have been brought to safety across Gironde. About 57,000 additional evacuations took place on Friday night alone. The measures primarily affect towns north...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 17:15

Wildfire in Gironde: 167,000 people evacuated as a precaution

Bordeaux - 25 July 2026: By midday Saturday, the major wildfire in Gironde had affected an area of 32,700 hectares. According to the prefecture, a total of 167,000 people have been moved as a precaution from threatened areas since the fire began. The evacuations mainly concern communities around the Arcachon Basin and the wider Bordeaux area. Emergency services are responding to the rapid spread of the flames and shifting winds.Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Saturday that the fire was now less intense than before. However, this does not mean that the all-clear has been given. Authorities are maintaining their protective measures because the fire...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 17:00

Ubisoft CEO Does Not Expect Sony’s End of Discs to Disrupt the Industry

Paris - 25 July 2026: Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot does not expect a profound upheaval in the video game industry following Sony's announced withdrawal from physical PlayStation games. During the presentation of his company's quarterly results, he said the move reflected a trend that has been evident in purchasing behavior for years. Sony plans to end disc production for new PlayStation games in January 2028.The Japanese company announced the decision on 1 July 2026. It will affect new titles released for PlayStation from January 2028 onward. Games already released and new releases before that deadline are expected to remain available on disc. In the future, new games are to be distributed via the PlayStation Store or as download codes through retailers. Sony cites the market's strong shift toward digital distribution as the reason for the move.For Ubisoft, this change is less of an economic surprise than it is for parts of its customer base. Digital sales spare publishers the pressing, packaging and distribution of physical media. At the same time,...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 16:45

School Supplies Are Getting More Expensive: Store Brands and the Right Time to Buy Ease the Burden on Families

Paris - 25/07/2026: More than a month before the start of the new school year, school supplies are already on display in many supermarkets across France. Families who check their lists early will find a wide range of products, but must budget for higher spending than last year. According to a survey by the consumer protection organization Que Choisir Ensemble, prices have risen by an average of two percent compared with July 2025.The study covers school supplies in more than 4,500 supermarkets and hypermarkets with pickup services in France. It compared prices on 1 July 2026 with those on 1 July 2025. The increase is...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 16:30

Wildfires in Gironde: Tens of Thousands of People Brought to Safety

Arès - 25 July 2026: Thick smoke hangs over the northern part of the Bassin d'Arcachon. In Gironde, firefighters are battling one of the most severe wildfires of this summer. Numerous towns are under threat, and residents have had to leave their homes. Despite the fire easing temporarily, the situation remained serious on Saturday.According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, around 167,000 people in Gironde were moved to safety as a precaution. Of those, 57,000 evacuees were added overnight into Saturday alone. Areas around the Cap-Ferret peninsula and communities west of Bordeaux have been particularly affected. Authorities responded to the rapid spread of the flames and...

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