After days of emergency measures, there is reason for hope in southwestern France for the first time: the devastating wildfire in the Landes department is considered “contained.” President Emmanuel Macron announced this on Monday evening during a visit to emergency crews in Bordeaux. Firefighters and disaster response forces have thus managed to halt the further spread of the flames for the time being.
“The part of the fire in Landes is now contained. That is good news,” Macron said. At the same time, the president issued a strong warning against premature optimism. The fire has neither been fully extinguished nor brought definitively under control. High temperatures, persistent winds and extreme drought could cause smoldering hotspots to flare up again at any time.
“Contained” does not mean “extinguished”
In the terminology used by the French fire service, the status fixé refers to a fire whose spread has been stopped and whose perimeter lines are largely secured. However, flames, smoldering hotspots and considerable heat may still persist within the affected area. A fire is only considered under control when it is classified as maîtrisé. It may then take days or even weeks before it is fully extinguished.
For this reason, numerous emergency crews remain on site. They are monitoring the entire fire zone, tackling remaining hotspots and securing particularly vulnerable sections. In the extensive pine forests of Landes, heat can persist deep in the dry forest soil and root layers. Even a strong gust of wind can turn an apparently extinguished hotspot into a new source of fire.
According to initial figures, around 3,600 hectares of forest and vegetation have been destroyed. Nearly 200 buildings were also claimed by the flames. At times, tens of thousands of people had to leave their homes, holiday accommodation and campsites. The municipalities of Biscarrosse, Parentis-en-Born and Sanguinet were particularly affected.
Thousands of evacuees return
As the situation has stabilized, around 15,000 evacuees have now been able to return to their homes and apartments. Several residential areas in Biscarrosse that had previously been closed were also reopened. However, some zones remain cordoned off because smoldering hotspots, damaged trees, destroyed power lines or buildings at risk of collapse continue to pose a danger there.
For many of those affected, the painstaking assessment of the damage is now beginning. While some homes have remained largely intact, other families are facing the ruins of their lives. Campsites, tourist facilities and numerous businesses have also suffered considerable damage. For the region, which is in the middle of the summer season, the economic consequences are substantial.
Macron therefore announced the creation of an economic crisis task force, which is to meet daily. The aim is to coordinate relief measures for affected municipalities, businesses, employees and families. The French state will support those who have lost their homes, livelihoods or jobs in the fires.
The situation remains tense in Gironde
While the situation in Landes is cautiously easing, the neighboring major fire in the Gironde department remains highly dangerous. Although the spread of the flames has been slowed for the time being, the fire is not yet considered contained. Tens of thousands of hectares of vegetation have already been destroyed, and emergency crews continue to battle difficult weather conditions.
Macron therefore urged caution. Although the latest development is an important success for the fire service, it is still too early to give a genuine all-clear, he said. With high temperatures and persistent winds expected to return, there remains a risk that the situation could worsen again.
The news from Landes nevertheless marks a decisive turning point in the fight against one of this summer’s most severe wildfires. Whether it leads to a lasting easing of the situation will depend above all on the weather in the coming days.
Andreas M. Brucker