France wildfires: Race to tackle flames near Bordeaux before 41C heatwave

NewsUK & WorldWildfiresMapsd show where wildfires burn in France07:49, 28 Jul 2026Updated 07:49, 28 Jul 2026Emergency crews are working urgently to contain aggressive wildfires nine miles outside Bordeaux, ahead of an incoming heatwave expected to drive temperatures up to 41C.‌French President Emmanuel Macron described the severe fires as the "most difficult situation" the nation has faced since the Second World War. More than 260,000 residents across the south-west of France have now been forced to leave their homes.‌The mayor of Bordeaux, Thomas Cazenave, stated that officials are preparing for "all eventualities" and organizing facilities to "accommodate a large number of people should further evacuations be ordered". Across France, the destruction has extended over 42,000 hectares—an a