France on Edge as Heat Dome and Megafire Collide
Extreme heatwaves and prolonged drought have pushed forest fire danger levels to “very high” in Meurthe-et-Moselle and Moselle. According to Météo-France, 29 additional departments were placed under high risk as of late July 2026. In cities like Montauban and Albi, mercury readings reached 41.1°C.
Gironde Holds at 40,000 hectares After Historic Evacuation
Firefighters, however, are actively treating new hot spots. According to the prefecture of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Gironde, more than 220 000 personnes have been forced to evacuate since the disaster began. This marks the largest mass evacuation in France since the Second World War in 1940.
Slovak, Czech Crews Join Domestic Forces
According to European crisis management officials, the European Union has coordinated extensive aerial and ground deployments. These include Slovak and Czech pilots operating water-dropping helicopters in the Var department. Domestically, the French government has mobilized military personnel alongside thousands of professional and volunteer firefighters to defend threatened communities.
SNCF Suspensions Cut Off Southern Rail Links
Transportation networks remain heavily impacted by the ongoing crisis. SNCF confirmed that TGV rail services south of Bordeaux toward Arcachon, Hendaye, and Tarbes remain suspended. Overnight sleeper trains connecting Paris and Tarbes are halted as well.
Rapid-Moving Blaze Threatens Var Districts
In the Var department, a rapid-moving blaze near Brignoles forced the immediate evacuation of the Pelicon, Tombarel, and La Renarde districts. Here, 200 firefighters battle the flames with support from three Canadair planes and six water-dropping helicopters.
Related reading