Gironde Megafire Stabilized but Not Fixed After Second Calm Night

Overview

• Authorities said the blaze remained “stabilized” on Wednesday after a second mostly calm night while the burned area held at about 42,000 hectares.
• Fire crews treated multiple small reprises overnight and have completed about 123 of 127 kilometres of tactical firebreaks designed to deny the fire new fuel.
• Officials warned forecasts of inland highs near 41°C, coastal highs near 38°C and dry gusts could prompt rapid flare‑ups and make the next 24–48 hours decisive for containment.
• The human toll and disruption are large: roughly 220,000 people were evacuated at peak, about 57,000 residents in three towns were allowed to return if they chose, and 126 firefighters have been injured in operations.
• Transport and local economies remain hit with major road and rail restrictions in place, large numbers of businesses affected, and long recovery for forests and wildlife expected as national and European aid is coordinated.