Forest fire in Gironde: Cap-Ferret completely evacuated

Lège-Cap-Ferret – 24.07.2026: In Gironde, a forest fire has plunged the tourist region of Arcachon Bay into an emergency situation. After the fire crossed a containment line prepared by emergency crews overnight, authorities ordered the complete evacuation of the Cap-Ferret peninsula. For residents, tourists and workers, the priority was to leave the threatened coastal strip quickly and in an orderly manner.

According to consistent reports, nearly 1,000 firefighters are deployed. They are trying to protect homes and transport routes, as well as prevent the flames from advancing further towards inhabited areas. The situation remains difficult because a forest fire can spread rapidly through the dry pine forests. A column of smoke, visible from far away, temporarily rose over Arcachon Bay.

The Gironde prefecture initially ordered the evacuation of several localities on the peninsula and later extended the measure to the entire territory of Lège-Cap-Ferret. Authorities also activated preparations for evacuations by water. Navigation in Arcachon Bay was temporarily subject to restrictions so as not to hinder rescue and emergency operations.

Cap-Ferret is a particularly sensitive location in the height of summer: local residents live between forests, dunes and water, while numerous tourists are on the narrow peninsula. Its only road connection to the mainland can quickly become a bottleneck in the event of a fire. For this reason, evacuation planning has for years also included transporting people via several jetties.

For firefighters, the operation is a race against the wind, heat and shifting fire fronts. According to authorities, the protection of human life is the priority. By Friday afternoon, there was still no definitive and reliable information on the exact number of evacuees or possible damage to buildings. Residents and visitors were asked to follow official instructions only and not return to closed areas.

The cause of the fire had not initially been officially clarified. Therefore, any information about a possible origin should be considered unconfirmed. As soon as the security situation permits, the responsible investigative authorities will examine how the fire started. However, the priority remains the major ongoing operation in Gironde.

The fire is a reminder of the vulnerability of forested coastal areas in southwestern France during dry summer periods. For the inhabitants of Cap-Ferret, Friday above all means uncertainty: many had to leave behind homes, holiday accommodation or workplaces without knowing when they would be able to return. The coming hours will determine whether emergency crews can stabilize the fire perimeter.