Major Fire Near Saumos: More Than 20,000 People Evacuated in Gironde

Lège-Cap-Ferret – 23 July 2026: A large-scale forest fire in Gironde triggered the evacuation of more than 20,000 residents and holidaymakers on Thursday. The fire broke out on Wednesday, 22 July, in the municipality of Saumos and subsequently spread via Le Porge towards Lège-Cap-Ferret. Operations are focused on protecting inhabited areas and tourist facilities north of the Bassin d’Arcachon.

According to situation updates released on Thursday, the fire has already affected around 3,100 hectares. The prefecture initially ordered precautionary evacuations for around 10,000 people overnight. During the day, a further approximately 8,800 holidaymakers were added after the threat level in the Lège-Cap-Ferret area intensified. Media subsequently reported a total of more than 20,000 evacuees.

The areas affected primarily include campsites, holiday complexes and residential areas along the coastal and forest region. Several facilities, including the La Jenny holiday village and campsites in the Le Truc Vert, Le Grand Crohot, La Prairie and La Pinède areas, were evacuated. Municipalities and emergency services set up reception and support facilities for those affected.

Hundreds of firefighters are battling the flames. They are receiving aerial support from firefighting aircraft. Their work is being hampered by dry vegetation, high temperatures and wind. According to authorities, the situation remained tense on Thursday, although emergency crews reported progress in containing the fire. There were initially no confirmed reports of injuries or destroyed homes.

The air-monitoring organisation Atmo Nouvelle-Aquitaine also warned of smoke pollution. In particular, people in areas beneath the smoke plume should follow official guidance from the prefecture and their municipalities. Authorities advise people not to enter affected zones, to comply with access restrictions and to use local warning channels to obtain information on any further protective measures.

The fire affects a particularly forested part of Gironde and recalls the severe fires of summer 2022. At that time, tens of thousands of hectares of forest burned in the department. However, the current situation is a separate incident: the fire began near Saumos on 22 July 2026 and reached the heavily visited tourist region north of Cap Ferret within one day.

The cause of the current fire has not yet been conclusively established. Citing initial investigation information, several media outlets report a possibly accidental trigger connected to a brush cutter. There was no official confirmation by Thursday evening. For the public, it remains essential to follow official instructions only and not to return to evacuated areas.