French President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude to firefighters and security forces for their dedicated efforts in combating the extensive wildfires plaguing the country. Macron praised the unity and solidarity displayed by the French people during this challenging period, acknowledging the unwavering commitment of various groups, including military personnel, civil security forces, gendarmes, police officers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
Macron highlighted the comprehensive mobilization of both civil and military resources to tackle the wildfires, which includes the deployment of aerial resources such as Canadair, Dash, and water-bomber helicopters, along with reinforcements from different regions of France. He also extended appreciation to countries like Romania, Croatia, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia for their invaluable support in the firefighting efforts.
The French President emphasized the spirit of European solidarity, noting that in times of crisis, the continent demonstrates the unity that defines it. Macron expressed solidarity with nations like Spain, Italy, Greece, and others grappling with similar wildfire challenges. He pledged to rebuild and restore the affected areas, emphasizing the resilience and determination of the French people to overcome the devastation caused by the wildfires.
French authorities reported that wildfires have scorched approximately 98,000 hectares of land across France in 2026, marking a historic record for the country. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez disclosed that several blazes remain uncontrolled in various regions, particularly in Gironde, Landes, and Var. The emergency situation has necessitated large-scale evacuations in southwestern France, with 57,000 individuals evacuated overnight in Gironde alone, bringing the total number of displaced residents in the region to 167,000.
