Eva Van Dam

A massive wildfire in France’s Gironde region has forced more than 220,000 people to evacuate, including childcare worker Morgane Bonichot, her daughter, rabbit and dog. Authorities emptied numerous towns and villages and moved additional campers and holiday-home residents as flames repeatedly flared near Bordeaux. Evacuees are being sheltered in a converted exhibition center while firefighters, aircraft and international assistance work to contain the blaze. Authorities are restricting returns until areas are safe, and the fire’s scale and recurrence amid increasingly severe heat waves are intensifying concerns about the effects of human-caused climate change.

Wildfires in France’s Gironde region have displaced about 220,000 people and disrupted tourism and businesses around Bordeaux, raising fears of deeper economic damage for wineries and other local industries. The Bordeaux wine sector was already struggling with falling consumption among younger people, foreign competition, inflation, energy costs and tariffs. The regional chamber of commerce says 39,000 businesses have been affected, while local officials warn that calls to avoid the area could further undermine tourism. Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave emphasizes that the city remains open, with museums, cafés and restaurants operating despite the fires.

France’s Bastille Day celebrations commemorate the 1789 storming of the Bastille and the events that sparked the French Revolution. The Paris parade is being used to showcase European military capability and unwavering support for Ukraine, with troops and aircraft from across the continent participating. Extreme heat and forest fires have led to the cancellation of fireworks and firefighters’ events in some parts of France, although the Eiffel Tower’s fireworks and drone show went ahead.

France’s Bastille Day parade is being used to demonstrate European military unity and support for Ukraine, with President Emmanuel Macron hosting around 30 international leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukrainian troops will march, Ukrainian-trained co-pilots will fly alongside French pilots, and aircraft and troops from numerous European countries will participate. The event is intended to signal resolve to Russia and the United States, while record troop numbers underscore Europe’s military cooperation. Extreme heat and wildfires have led authorities to cancel some traditional fireworks and firefighters’ balls, although the Eiffel Tower’s fireworks and drone show went ahead.