After Return Authorization, Fear of New Wildfires Lingers Around Bordeaux

Mérignac – 29.07.2026: Residents of Mérignac, Eysines and Le Haillan near Bordeaux have been allowed to return to previously evacuated residential areas since Tuesday. However, the return is proceeding cautiously. According to Franceinfo, many families have decided to stay with relatives or in temporary accommodation for the time being because they consider further evacuations possible. The reason is the re-emergence of fire hotspots in Gironde.

The three municipalities are located west and northwest of Bordeaux and had been evacuated as a precaution because of their proximity to the wildfires. In Mérignac and Eysines, the areas affected were mainly those outside the ring road. Authorities had ordered the evacuation through the national FR-Alert warning system. The measure was intended to quickly bring people in endangered zones to safety.

The return authorization now granted does not mean that the all-clear has been given. Firefighters and security forces continue to monitor the development of the fires, as dry vegetation, wind and smoldering hotspots could encourage them to spread again. Residents therefore report having packed bags ready and being prepared to leave their homes immediately if a new order is issued.

The fire complex has placed a considerable strain on Gironde for several days. On July 27, the Departmental Council had already pointed to the exceptional burden on affected people and emergency services. Contact points and telephone support were organized for particularly vulnerable people or those in need of assistance. Municipalities around Bordeaux also prepared emergency accommodation and support services.

The Gendarmerie is also deployed in force. According to the national Gendarmerie, hundreds of personnel have been deployed in Gironde, including mobile units, a helicopter and drones. They support evacuations, secure evacuated areas and help coordinate rescue operations. The measures are determined by the current level of danger in each case.

For those returning, the situation remains practically difficult: they must check whether access roads are open, whether electricity and other utilities are functioning, and which instructions apply to their street. Return authorization is therefore dependent on developments on the ground. A new evacuation may be ordered if incident command identifies an acute threat.

The fires have severely disrupted daily life in the greater Bordeaux area. At Bordeaux Airport, parts of the surrounding area have been affected in recent days, while transport connections and hotel areas have at times faced restrictions. Authorities remain focused on protecting the population, securing affected residential areas and containing possible new fires.