Wildfire Smoke Affects Southwest France

Bordeaux - 28 July 2026: Smoke from wildfires in southwest France is now affecting air quality far beyond the immediate fire zones. The health minister therefore called on the public to exercise particular caution. Monitoring stations recorded elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter in several departments; the air-quality monitoring service for Nouvelle-Aquitaine classified regional air quality as very poor.Authorities have stepped up their monitoring. According to the regional health authority, ARS, and Atmo Nouvelle-Aquitaine, smoke plumes can reach cities and rural areas not threatened by the flames, depending on wind ...