Wildfire forces evacuation of Cap-Ferret

Lège-Cap-Ferret – 24 July 2026: During the night, thousands of people left the narrow Cap-Ferret peninsula, which is heavily frequented in summer. The prefecture of Nouvelle-Aquitaine ordered the precautionary evacuation of several towns because of a spreading wildfire. Initially affected were Claouey, Le Four, Les Jacquets, Petit Piquey and Grand Piquey. For residents, holidaymakers and campsite guests, the main priority was to leave the threatened coast in an orderly manner.

According to information available on Friday morning, around 20,000 people were evacuated in the Lège-Cap-Ferret area. The figure represents an exceptional burden for a municipality whose population rises sharply during the holiday season. Several surrounding municipalities set up reception centers. In Biganos, evacuees were accommodated in an events hall, among other locations. Authorities asked people not to travel to the affected roads and towns.

The measures were triggered by a fire in the Saumos and Le Porge area, north of the Bassin d’Arcachon. The blaze had spread since Wednesday and, according to reports on Thursday, had already reached several thousand hectares. During the night, the situation worsened at the access route to the peninsula. Emergency commanders responded with the evacuation because wind, heat and the development of the flames can change rapidly.

Several houses have been affected by the fire, according to information known so far. Final details on the extent of property damage and possible injuries were not yet available on Friday morning. Such assessments change quickly during a major fire that is still ongoing. The protection of people is therefore the immediate priority: firefighters, the gendarmerie, municipal services and the prefecture are coordinating traffic routes, accommodation and further information for those affected.

The geography of Cap-Ferret makes the situation particularly delicate. The peninsula is long, narrow and connected to the hinterland by only a few roads. When a wildfire approaches, vehicles, emergency services and people must all be moved through a confined area at the same time. Authorities had already prepared a maritime evacuation plan for the peninsula in 2023. Whether, and to what extent, it will now be needed remained unclear on Friday morning.

The Gironde prefecture had previously urged particular caution because of the high wildfire risk. For those affected, the evacuation now primarily means uncertainty: when they can return depends on the progress of firefighting operations and safety inspections. Authorities called on people to follow only their official announcements and the instructions of firefighters and the gendarmerie, and not to spread rumors.

The fire near Cap-Ferret is part of a tense situation in southwestern France. In the neighboring Landes department, extensive operations against a major fire near Biscarrosse have also been underway since Thursday. The simultaneous fires are tying up numerous resources. For Cap-Ferret, the crucial question remains whether emergency services can keep the flames away from residential areas and safely accommodate the evacuees.