World
Gironde megafire 'contained': 42,000 hectares burned, Var fires reignite
The Gironde megafire, which started in Saumos on July 22, 2026, was declared 'contained' on the evening of July 31 after nine days of fighting and 42,000 hectares devastated — France's worst fire since 1949. About 198,000 of the evacuated people, or 90%, were able to return home, but four municipalities remain completely evacuated. Two firefighters died, 267 were injured, and 240 homes were destroyed. Meanwhile, a fire declared under control in the Gros Bessillon massif (Var) reignited in mistral winds, burning 1,000 additional hectares in six hours.