France Calls on EU Help as Gironde Wildfires Force 60,000 to Flee

France activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism — a system letting member states request cross-border emergency help — as two Gironde wildfires burned 12,500 hectares and forced 60,000 evacuations. The EU sent three water bomber aircraft. Interior Minister Nuñez said the main Saumos fire is "not under control and continues to spread." Two firefighters died. Over 50,000 hectares have burned across France in 2026.