Solidarity with those affected grows after the fires

Bordeaux – 31 July 2026: In the wake of the severe fires in Gironde, the Landes department and other parts of France, a second, quieter form of assistance is becoming visible alongside the work of emergency services: donations, collections of essential goods and volunteer engagement. People who have had to leave their homes or whose daily lives have been disrupted by smoke, evacuations and destroyed work equipment are to receive support as quickly as possible.

The scale of the damage explains the strong willingness to help. On 27 July, the Interior Ministry reported that 116,085 hectares had burned in France since the beginning of the year. The major fires in Gironde and Landes in particular have affected many people. Authorities and civil protection forces continue to focus on protecting the population, housing evacuees and securing the affected areas.

According to its own figures, the French Red Cross has sent around 300 volunteers from about 60 departments to Gironde. They are helping in emergency shelters, assisting evacuees and providing everyday necessities. This support is especially important for people living alone, older people and those with health problems: after a short-notice evacuation, they often depend more heavily on personal assistance and reliable points of contact.

On 27 July, the Fondation de France also launched a nationwide appeal for donations and initially made 300,000 euros available. The funds are intended to benefit aid associations, those affected and emergency responders. Support is planned in two phases: first for urgent needs, then later for rebuilding livelihoods, for example in small farms, craft businesses and local associations.

Secours populaire français reports from Gironde and Landes that volunteers who had themselves been evacuated nevertheless helped in reception centers. In Le Porge, helpers contacted residents and people living alone by telephone before their own evacuation. The organization is asking for monetary donations as well as collections of goods coordinated with its local structures. Such coordination is intended to prevent unsuitable items from making distribution even more difficult.

At the same time, private fundraising campaigns are emerging online, Franceinfo reports. However, it is often difficult to verify from outside whether the funds raised actually reach those affected. Donors should therefore look for clearly identified organizers, verifiable contact details and visible coordination with municipalities or recognized aid organizations. The government information platform Service-Public generally warns against fraudulent online offers and explains how suspicious content can be reported.

Donations cannot replace insurance benefits or the work of fire services, municipalities and prefectures. However, they fill urgent gaps when clothing, food, transport options or temporary accommodation are needed. In the affected communities, effective assistance currently often depends on accessible contacts, open reception centers and reliably funded organizations.