Smoke from forest fires is worsening air quality in Gironde and Landes

Bordeaux – 25 July 2026: Forest fires in Gironde and the northern part of the Landes department have significantly worsened air quality in southwestern France. Smoke plumes from the fire areas are reaching densely populated areas around Bordeaux. Atmo Nouvelle-Aquitaine monitoring stations are recording elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5, as well as other pollutants produced by burning vegetation. According to Franceinfo, the warning threshold has been significantly exceeded.

The pollution is not limited to the immediate vicinity of the fire sites. Depending on wind and weather conditions, smoke plumes can spread over long distances and become locally concentrated. People with asthma, chronic lung or cardiovascular diseases, older people, pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable. Medical assistance should be sought in the event of shortness of breath, chest pain or a noticeable worsening of existing symptoms. According to Franceinfo, the regional emergency medical service SAMU is recording significantly more calls related to respiratory problems.

Smoke from vegetation fires contains fine particles and irritating gases. The smallest particles, in particular, can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. Health authorities therefore recommend avoiding physical exertion outdoors, keeping windows and doors closed when smoke is dense, and ventilating rooms, as far as possible, only during periods of lower outdoor air pollution. Air conditioners should, where technically possible, be operated in air recirculation mode.

On the night of 25 July, the government delivered 1.5 million FFP2 masks to Gironde. A total of 2.5 million masks are available for distribution in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. They are intended primarily for emergency responders, people exposed to particularly high levels of pollution and those with respiratory diseases. Pharmacies and healthcare facilities are to ensure distribution.

FFP2 and FFP3 masks can reduce the inhalation of fine particulate matter if they fit tightly against the face. Cloth and medical masks do not provide comparable protection against fine smoke particles. FFP2 masks are unsuitable for infants and very young children; they should remain in protected indoor spaces as much as possible and avoid smoke exposure.

Atmo Nouvelle-Aquitaine continuously monitors the fire areas and the paths of smoke plumes. Which municipalities are most affected depends on the development of the fires and wind direction and can change rapidly. Bordeaux Métropole has issued additional warnings. Protective measures accompany evacuations and firefighting operations in Gironde and Landes, where, according to the Ministry of the Interior, fires on 24 July continued to affect several areas.