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Macron Orders Military Mobilization as Gironde Wildfires Rage

Published July 26, 2026 at 4:32 PM UTC

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French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered the armed forces to mobilize against the wildfires devastating the Gironde region in southwestern France. The decision comes as the fire situation near Bordeaux remains highly unfavorable, with Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin warning that extreme heat could worsen conditions. Over 20% of homes in Le Porge have been destroyed, according to the mayor, and thousands of evacuees cannot yet return. Strategic sites near Bordeaux are under high surveillance, and the A63 highway remains closed, disrupting transportation. Officials urge tourists to stay away as the fires continue to spread. The rare phenomenon of pyrocumulonimbus—a 'fire storm'—has been observed, complicating firefighting efforts. Macron's order adds military resources to the thousands of firefighters already battling the blazes, underscoring the severity of the crisis. The government aims to prevent further destruction and protect lives, but the extreme heat forecast raises fears of even more intense fire activity.