France Declares Emergency as Gironde Wildfire Forces 20,000 Evacuations

France activated its FR-Alert emergency system on July 24, 2026, as a wildfire burning since July 22 in Gironde swept toward Lège-Cap-Ferret. About 20,000 people evacuated Atlantic coast towns and resorts. Hundreds fled the narrow Cap Ferret peninsula by boat when roads proved insufficient. Two firefighters have died in France's July wildfires. France has requested EU firefighting assistance.