Arcachon Becomes a Refuge for Evacuees from Gironde Wildfire Areas

Arcachon – 25 July 2026: On the Arcachon coast, many people sought distance from the wildfires on Saturday, which have put large parts of Gironde under pressure since Wednesday. They include holidaymakers whose stays were abruptly interrupted, as well as residents of evacuated municipalities. The town on the Bassin d’Arcachon lies outside the zones directly evacuated, but has been heavily affected by taking in those impacted and by its proximity to the fire area.

According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, around 167,000 people have been brought to safety across Gironde. About 57,000 additional evacuations took place on Friday night alone. The measures primarily affect towns north of the Bassin d’Arcachon and municipalities around the Bordeaux metropolitan area. Authorities ordered the evacuations as a precaution because smoke, wind and the spread of the flames can rapidly change the situation.

For Arcachon, the evacuation of the Cap-Ferret peninsula had particular consequences. On Friday, people were also brought by ferry across the basin to Arcachon after the peninsula had been evacuated. The seaside resort thus became an important arrival point for people who had to leave their homes, holiday accommodation or vehicles at short notice. Transport routes around the basin were at times under considerable strain.

According to the findings of the investigation so far, the fires originated from a blaze near Saumos that started on Wednesday, 22 July. The Bordeaux public prosecutor’s office said that an unintentional cause is currently considered the most likely explanation. The use of a brush cutter during work on a high-voltage power line may have started the fire. The Gendarmerie investigation is ongoing, and no final determination of the cause has been made.

In addition to emergency personnel, extensive security measures are required. According to authorities, around 1,700 security personnel were deployed to support evacuations and monitor evacuated residential areas. France has also requested assistance through the European Civil Protection Mechanism. Aid from other EU member states is intended to supplement French resources in fighting the fires and securing the affected areas.

Air quality remains an additional problem in parts of the region. Atmo Nouvelle-Aquitaine reported pollution from smoke and fine particulate matter caused by the fires, particularly in the north of the Bassin d’Arcachon and in neighbouring areas of Landes. For people in Arcachon, the situation means that while the holiday resort offers refuge and accommodation, the danger continues to shape daily life across the entire coastal region.