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Macron Orders Military Mobilization to Combat Wildfires in South-West France

Published July 26, 2026 at 6:32 AM UTC

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President Emmanuel Macron has ordered the mobilization of military forces to fight wildfires raging in the South-West of France, a rare step underscoring the severity of the blazes. The decision, announced on Thursday, places soldiers and military equipment, including aircraft, under the command of the civil security services. Officials said the move aims to reinforce firefighting efforts as flames threaten vast forested areas and several towns. The wildfires, which started earlier this week, have already forced thousands of residents to evacuate and destroyed hundreds of hectares of woodland. Macron stated that the government is using all available resources to protect lives and property. The military's involvement will focus on logistics, aerial water bombing, and ground support in the hardest-hit areas. This is the first time in recent memory that France has deployed troops for a domestic wildfire crisis. The decision comes amid concerns that climate change is making such events more frequent and intense. Local authorities have urged calm and cooperation from the public, emphasizing that the priority remains containment and safety.