Forest Fire Near Le Porge: Return to the Municipality Remains Prohibited

Le Porge – 26 July 2026: Following the large-scale forest fire in the Saumos and Le Porge area, residents and visitors are still not permitted to return to the affected areas. The mayor of Le Porge warned that the security situation does not yet allow a return. The municipality announced on Sunday that several roads will remain closed until further notice.

The affected routes include those connecting Le Porge with Lège-Cap-Ferret, Le Temple and Saumos. Access to Gressier beach, the La Grigne campsite and the La Jenny holiday village is also closed. The restrictions are intended to prevent additional vehicles from entering the operational area and obstructing emergency services. Residents, holidaymakers and day-trippers are asked to stay away from the cordoned-off areas.

The fire broke out in Saumos on Wednesday, 22 July, and spread toward Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret. According to municipal information, Le Porge was almost completely surrounded by flames during the night from Thursday to Friday. Homes were damaged or destroyed. Emergency crews continue to monitor charred forest areas because smoldering hotspots can flare up again in windy conditions.

The situation remained tense on Sunday. According to reports from the scene, the fire front temporarily stretched for around 20 kilometers. Firefighters from several regions are supporting Gironde units. They are fighting open flames, searching for smoke sources, securing the perimeter of the fire zone and protecting threatened settlements. Due to the numerous flare-ups, the highest level of vigilance remains necessary.

The closures are affecting the municipality in the middle of the holiday season. Le Porge lies between Gironde’s extensive pine forests and the Atlantic coast, with many access routes running through wooded terrain. With shifting winds and a rapidly developing fire, slow-moving traffic and blocked roads can make evacuations more difficult. In recent days, numerous residents and holiday guests from the Saumos, Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret area had therefore been moved to safety as a precaution.

Anyone who had to leave Le Porge may return only after receiving explicit clearance from the relevant authorities. Travel to campsites, holiday facilities and closed coastal sections also remains prohibited. Access routes are needed for firefighters, emergency services and technical teams. Unauthorized attempts to return could endanger people and delay firefighting operations.

Gironde’s pine forests are particularly prone to fires in summer. Drought, highly flammable vegetation and wind can cause fires to spread rapidly over large areas. The prefecture therefore regularly provides information on safety rules and official restrictions. In Le Porge, road closures will remain in place as long as smoldering hotspots and potential flare-ups prevent a safe return.