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Gironde megafire 'contained': 42,000 hectares burned, Var fires reignite
Herz — World Desk · · 30s summary · 4 min read
The essentials
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.
- 42,000 hectares burned in nine days, France's worst fire since 1949
- Fire 'contained' July 31 but not yet 'fixed', 4 municipalities remain evacuated
- 198,000 people (90% of evacuees) able to return home by July 31
- Var fire reignites in mistral winds: 1,000 hectares burned in six additional hours
- Two firefighters killed, 267 injured, 240 homes destroyed
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, according to Le Temps. It is not yet 'fixed' and represents the most devastating fire in France since 1949.
What we know: situation in Gironde
By the evening of July 31, 198,000 people — or 90% of those evacuated — were able to return home or were about to do so. The reception center at the Bordeaux exhibition grounds closed that evening.
Four municipalities remain completely evacuated: Saumos, Le Temple, Le Porge, and Lège-Cap-Ferret. Two hundred forty kilometers of fire perimeters still need treatment, mainly in Le Porge and south of Lacanau.
Two firefighters died in Mérignac during a fire that occurred the day before the megafire began. A minute of silence was held for them on the morning of July 31 in Gironde's fire stations.
The megafire destroyed 240 homes — a preliminary count. Two hundred sixty-seven firefighters were injured during the firefighting effort.
Allain Bougrain-Dubourg, president of France's bird protection league (LPO), said on radio station RMC that wildlife had been affected 'by the millions' by the fires in France.
Resources deployed
The firefighting effort mobilized 3,300 firefighters from across France, 1,500 military personnel, and 1,250 police and gendarmes. Twenty-four aerial resources were deployed, including seven provided by the European Union.
Firefighters3300
Military1500
Police and gendarmes1250
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