Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations in Southern France as Blazes Claim Firefighter in Italy
Over 12,000 evacuated in France's Gironde region as fierce wildfires sweep across southern Europe, leaving firefighters dead in France and Italy.
- 12,000 people, including 10,000 tourists, evacuated in south-west France.
- Blazes claimed two firefighters near Bordeaux and one in Sicily.
- Over 2,000 hectares burned in France, while human-caused fires hit Sicily.
Around 12,000 people—including roughly 10,000 tourists—have been evacuated from south-western France as emergency crews battle raging wildfires, just days after two firefighters lost their lives near Bordeaux airport.
According to local authorities in the Gironde region, the blazes have already consumed over 2,000 hectares (nearly 5,000 acres) of land.
To mitigate further ignition risks, officials have closed several major roads and banned the use of both internal combustion and electric engines within forested zones. No new injuries were reported on Thursday.
Deadly Blazes Surge Across Southern Europe
The crisis in France coincides with severe wildfire outbreaks across southern Europe, particularly in Italy. Officials in Sicily confirmed over 350 fires on the island, including 10 major blazes that prompted precautionary residential evacuations.
Salvo Cocina, head of Sicilian Civil Protection, stated that the majority of the island’s fires were sparked by human activity, cautioning that firefighting efforts have escalated into a serious public safety and public order issue.
Italian authorities paid tribute to firefighter Alessandro Marchi, who died in the line of duty while tackling a wildfire in San Cataldo. A second firefighter involved in the same operation remains hospitalized.
“Alessandro Marchi died in service to the community. He will not be forgotten,” said Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi in a statement honoring the fallen responder.
