France Braces for Fourth Heatwave as Bordeaux Wildfire Rages On

France is preparing for its fourth major heatwave of the year as firefighters continue battling a massive wildfire near Bordeaux, with soaring temperatures and dry conditions complicating efforts across the southwest.

Record-Breaking Fire Season

President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as the most severe since World War II after visiting the affected region Monday. Fire crews managed to contain the blaze overnight, though officials caution the situation remains fragile. The fire has already burned through 42,000 hectares of pine forest in the Landes area, surpassing the previous record wildfire season of 2022.

Mass Evacuations Continue

Around 220,000 people, including residents and holidaymakers, have been evacuated from the affected areas. In nearby Biscarrosse, hit by a separate wildfire last week, conditions have improved enough to allow roughly 15,000 evacuees to return home, though authorities warn flare-ups remain possible due to ongoing wind and drought conditions.

Rising Temperatures Ahead

Bordeaux is expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius Tuesday, about 7 degrees above the historical average, with temperatures forecast to climb further to 37 degrees Celsius by Wednesday, according to France’s weather service.