Wildfire in Gironde: 198,000 Evacuees Allowed to Return

Bordeaux – 31 July 2026: The large-scale wildfire in Gironde is not yet under control. Nevertheless, according to Prefect Sophie Brocas, the situation has improved enough for 198,000 previously evacuated people to return to their houses and apartments. At a briefing on Friday evening, Brocas said emergency crews were making progress. The situation was improving day by day.

The authorization to return applies to a large part of the population that had to leave their homes as a precaution because of the spread of the fire. However, it does not mean that the operation is over. As long as a wildfire has not been fully contained and secured, smoldering hotspots, wind and dried-out vegetation can once again create dangerous fire zones. Firefighters and civil protection services must therefore continue monitoring the fire perimeter and extinguishing potential flare-up sites.

Authorities ordered the evacuations after the fire spread toward the greater Bordeaux area. At times, several municipalities around the metropolis were affected. The evacuations were intended to protect residents from flames and smoke. At the same time, roads and access routes had to be kept clear for firefighters, emergency services and security forces. With shifting winds, the direction of a fire can change at short notice, making early evacuations necessary.

The fact that 198,000 people are now allowed to return indicates a lower immediate danger in the areas that have been cleared. The decision is based on the development of the fire and local safety conditions. Instructions from authorities remain unchanged in areas that are still at risk. Residents there must expect restrictions as long as smoke, heat or renewed spread cannot be ruled out.

The situation also remains challenging for those returning. Smoke can affect air quality, while emergency vehicles and road closures can disrupt traffic. There is also the question of whether buildings, power lines and other infrastructure were damaged by the fire or firefighting efforts. No specific information on such damage was initially available.

The prefecture and incident command are continuously monitoring the fire area. Stabilization is not determined solely by whether open flames are visible. A fire can only be considered contained once its perimeter has been secured, smoldering hotspots extinguished and endangered areas inspected. The progress reported by Brocas allowed evacuees to return on Friday evening; the wildfire itself was still not considered fully under control at that time.