Horror 'fire tornado' tears through French tourist spot as thousands are evacuated

NewsUK & WorldTourismMany of the 10,000 people evacuated are tourists16:52, 23 Jul 2026Updated 16:55, 23 Jul 2026A roaring inferno featuring a terrifying "fire tornado" has ripped through a massive 2,000 hectares of land in a sun-soaked European tourist paradise, forcing the evacuation of over 10,000 holidaymakers.‌Panicked tourists—many staying at popular local campsites—were forced to flee for their lives after the terrifying blaze tore through the commune of Saumos in the Gironde department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, right on the doorstep of the hugely popular Arcachon Bay region.‌Local authorities confirmed the raging forest fire near Lège-Cap-Ferret, southwest of Bordeaux, has devoured more than 31 square kilometres (12 square miles) of land, with roaring flames advancing to within a terr