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, ...