Wildfire Smoke Affects Southwest France

Bordeaux – 28 July 2026: Smoke from wildfires in southwest France is now affecting air quality far beyond the immediate fire zones. The health minister therefore called on the public to exercise particular caution. Monitoring stations recorded elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter in several departments; the air-quality monitoring service for Nouvelle-Aquitaine classified regional air quality as very poor.

Authorities have stepped up their monitoring. According to the regional health authority, ARS, and Atmo Nouvelle-Aquitaine, smoke plumes can reach cities and rural areas not threatened by the flames, depending on wind and weather conditions. In Tarn-et-Garonne, an official warning was already in effect on 27 July because of elevated concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 particles.

The state is making a total of 2.5 million FFP2 masks available from its reserves for southwest France. According to the ARS, one million of these were additionally requested. The masks are intended primarily for people at particular risk, emergency personnel and people exposed to smoke at work. Fine particles from vegetation fires can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and worsen symptoms in people with lung or cardiovascular conditions.

Health services and municipalities recommend reducing intense physical activity outdoors when smoke exposure is noticeable. Older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with asthma, chronic lung diseases or heart conditions should be especially cautious. Anyone suffering from shortness of breath, severe coughing, or irritation of the eyes and throat should seek medical advice. The guidance also applies to people without known pre-existing conditions.

The source of the pollution is the fire situation in Gironde, which has persisted since 22 July. According to the prefecture, the major fire in the Saumos and Le Porge area had been brought under control by 28 July, but had not yet been extinguished. High temperatures and wind are hampering operations. This means that, alongside possible new fire outbreaks, prolonged exposure to smoke and airborne particles remains a risk.

In such situations, several authorities work together: prefectures order protective measures and access restrictions, Atmo networks measure pollutant concentrations, the ARS coordinates health precautions, and the state supplies materials from national stocks. Due to the extreme wildfire risk, numerous forest and natural areas remain closed in Gironde.

Visible smoke does not necessarily mean that all legal limit values have been exceeded. However, short-term pollution peaks can vary greatly by location. For the public, the measurements from Atmo Nouvelle-Aquitaine and warnings issued by the prefectures are therefore decisive.