Wildfire in Gironde: Central logistics aims to ease pressure on emergency crews

Lège-Cap-Ferret – 28 July 2026: During the severe wildfire in Gironde, firefighters are receiving support through centrally managed logistics. Agricultural operations and companies can offer vehicles, water tanks, construction machinery and drivers. The incident command decides which resources are needed and where. The aim is to ease pressure on crews in threatened areas without creating additional risks or uncontrolled traffic in the operational zone.

On Monday, 27 July, the Ministry of Agriculture announced that farmers wishing to help must first register with the Gironde Chamber of Agriculture. Their identity, available equipment and contact details are recorded. The chamber coordinates the offers with the prefecture. Independent trips near the fire should be avoided, as they could obstruct fire service movements and put helpers at risk.

Businesses are also being specifically asked to provide technical support. According to the state information service, excavators, wheel loaders, tanker trucks and similar equipment are particularly needed. The CODIS 33 emergency command service reviews the reported capacities and makes contact if the equipment and personnel meet operational requirements. In addition to the type and location of the machinery, providers must also specify drivers, transport options and the possible duration of deployment.

The centrally registered resources can take on several tasks. Tanker trucks bring water to fire engines, heavy machinery supports work in the field, and additional vehicles can facilitate evacuations. However, emergency services decide on the timing and location of every deployment. Priorities depend on the spread of the fire, access routes and the protection of the population. This coordination is particularly important because private vehicles could block emergency routes on narrow roads.

Alongside firefighting operations, accommodation for emergency crews has been expanded. The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region has provided sleeping facilities for firefighters in several schools, including in Blanquefort, Pessac, Talence, Mérignac and Saint-Médard-en-Jalles. Other facilities are taking in evacuated people. Regional buses are being used to relocate residents and holidaymakers, while rail services on several routes have also been disrupted.

Firefighters, forest fire protection services, civil protection, the Gendarmerie, state authorities, municipalities and volunteers are taking part in the firefighting effort. On 24 July, the Gendarmerie reported 440 personnel deployed in Gironde, including mobile units as well as support from a helicopter, drones and waterborne personnel. The central registration of machinery, drivers and accommodation is intended to prevent well-meant assistance from disrupting the tightly coordinated operations at the fire front.