After Severe Burns: Firefighter Frederic Maggiani Returned to Active Duty

Bordeaux – 29 July 2026: As thousands of emergency personnel battle the severe forest fires in Gironde, firefighter Frederic Maggiani recalls the operation that fundamentally changed his life more than two decades ago. In 2004, he himself faced mortal danger during a forest fire. At the time, he believed he was going to die, Maggiani told France Televisions.

The fire left him with burns to 37 percent of his body; several fingers had to be amputated. A long period of medical treatment and personal reorientation followed. Nevertheless, Maggiani decided to continue in his profession after recovering. His account conveys the risks firefighters face when combating major vegetation fires.

His story is especially relevant because of the situation in southwestern France. In Gironde, numerous emergency personnel have been operating under difficult conditions for days. According to the department, an operations command center was set up at a school in Marcheprime on 24 July. The authorities describe the situation as an exceptional strain on emergency services and other personnel involved.

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region has also reported severe fires, particularly around the Cap-Ferret peninsula and near Biscarrosse in the neighboring department of Landes. Firefighters, forest-fire response services, security forces, state authorities, municipalities and volunteers are working together there. The regional administration advised people to avoid travel to affected parts of Gironde and Landes until 31 July wherever possible.

On 24 July, the French Interior Ministry described the fire in Gironde as the largest of the current season to date. At that point, according to the ministry, fires had already destroyed 116,085 hectares nationwide. Firefighting aircraft, helicopters and ground units are being deployed to combat the blaze.

According to the Defense Ministry, around 2,500 firefighters, 1,500 soldiers and 1,200 members of the internal security forces were most recently deployed in Gironde. Germany supported the operation with two CH-53 transport helicopters and additional firefighting equipment. The international assistance complements the extensive French forces, which must simultaneously monitor fires, protect communities and contain new outbreaks.

The region still bears the marks of the disaster year of 2022. At that time, more than 30,000 hectares of forest burned in Gironde, according to the department, particularly near Landiras, Hostens, Belin-Beliet, La Teste-de-Buch and Saumos. Maggiani’s injuries are a reminder of the physical price firefighters may ultimately pay for this protection.