Farmers secure the water supply during forest fires in Gironde

Saint-Jean-d’Illac – 29 July 2026: During the severe forest fires in Gironde, farmers are supporting emergency crews with water transport and heavy equipment. Tractors with water tanks, pick-ups with trailers and tanker trucks are bringing firefighting water to operational sectors near Saint-Jean-d’Illac, Audenge and Marcheprime. This relieves the fire service, whose fire engines would otherwise have to travel long distances to water collection points in the extensive fire zones.

However, the helpers are not taking part in firefighting operations independently. They deliver water to designated handover points or provide equipment whenever incident command requests it. This allows fire engines to be refilled more quickly and remain directly at the fire for longer. According to reports from the fire zone, construction companies are also making machinery and vehicles available.

On 27 July, the French Ministry of Agriculture stressed that the mobilization had to be strictly coordinated. Volunteers were asked to register in advance with the Gironde Chamber of Agriculture and provide their contact details as well as information on available equipment. The procedure is intended to protect helpers and ensure that the fire service and emergency services can deploy the resources offered where they are actually needed.

As early as 28 July, the Chamber of Agriculture said that no further volunteers were needed for the time being. More than 500 people had come forward within a few hours. Even those already registered were urged not to travel to the affected areas on their own initiative under any circumstances. They are to deploy only when requested by the DFCI, which is responsible for forest fire protection, or by the fire and rescue service.

Agricultural operations are primarily taking on part of the water supply. Their tanks can be filled at approved wells and other authorized collection points and then brought close to operational sites. Spontaneous trips by private helpers, on the other hand, could block access routes, hinder emergency crews and place people at additional risk in unclear situations.

The fires are also placing considerable demands on the police and civil protection services. The prefecture and security forces are coordinating evacuations, traffic restrictions and the protection of threatened areas. According to the Gendarmerie, 440 gendarmes, including mobile units, were deployed in Gironde. They were joined by a helicopter, drones and maritime forces supporting evacuations in coastal areas.

The registered farmers, winegrowers and businesses now remain available as a reserve. The Chamber of Agriculture sees the large number of registrations as evidence of widespread willingness to help, but insists on clear deployment channels. According to its information, the department’s livestock farms were safe on 28 July.