Forest fire in Gironde: Lège-Cap-Ferret remains closed after flames flare up again

Lège-Cap-Ferret – 28.07.2026: The residents of Lège-Cap-Ferret are still unable to return to their homes. On Tuesday at noon, the municipality reported a significant resurgence of the forest fire in the Grand Crohot area. Firefighting aircraft were deployed again, and the evacuation order for the Cap Ferret peninsula remains in force. For those affected, this means that for the time being they cannot personally check the condition of their houses and apartments.

The large fire in Gironde had spread from Saumos toward Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret since July 22. According to the authorities, firefighters managed to contain the blaze within a defined area, but recorded several new hotspots. Rising temperatures on Tuesday complicated firefighting operations and increased the risk of remaining hotspots flaring up again.

According to the latest prefecture bulletin, 42,000 hectares of vegetation have burned so far and 240 homes have been destroyed. The municipality of Lège-Cap-Ferret had already announced on July 24 that it would personally inform the owners of the affected homes. It also stated that no other residential buildings had been damaged in the rest of the peninsula.

The access restrictions are intended to protect the population and ensure clear routes for emergency services. Numerous roads and cycle paths in the fire area remain closed. The Gironde departmental council is urging residents and onlookers not to travel to operational areas. The Gendarmerie monitors the evacuated areas and supports the evacuation measures.

According to the prefecture, 2,750 firefighters, 1,500 soldiers, 1,440 security personnel and 18 aircraft are deployed. The complete evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula had already been ordered during the first days of the fire. In addition to departmental road RD 106, authorities also used the sea route across the Arcachon Basin to take residents and tourists out of the risk area. The combination of the two routes was intended to avoid traffic jams on the peninsula’s only main road connection.

Outside the restricted zone, those affected can still access assistance services. The department’s social assistance centers in Castelnau-de-Médoc and Lanton receive people in emergency situations. The Bordeaux Bar Association has also set up an emergency number for fire victims. Return to Lège-Cap-Ferret will only be permitted once the area has been secured and further flare-ups are under control. Until then, private inspections in evacuated neighborhoods also remain prohibited.