France Deploys Military A400M to Battle Unprecedented Wildfires in Gironde

France has mobilized a military A400M transport aircraft to drop water on a massive wildfire in the Gironde region, its first use for firefighting. The move, ordered by Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and backed by President Emmanuel Macron, comes as the blaze near Bordeaux has forced thousands to evacuate and burned over 14,000 hectares. Civilian firefighter resources have been stretched thin by a summer of extreme heat and drought. The A400M, a four-engine turboprop, can carry up to 40 tonnes of water and cross rugged terrain quickly. Military crews have trained for this role but operational challenges remain, including coordinating with ground teams and avoiding smoke. The deployment underscores the severity of the fire and the government's willingness to use all available assets. Local officials have praised the move but warned that more evacuees may be needed if winds shift. Meteorologists expect no rain in the coming days, keeping the crisis acute.