France's Saumos Fire Scorches Four Times Paris, Drives 220,000 From Homes

The Saumos wildfire in Gironde, France, has burned an area four times the size of Paris and forced 220,000 evacuations as of 28 July 2026. Prefect Brocas confirmed containment held on 29 July despite 14 overnight rekindlings — flare-ups of previously dampened zones. A fourth heatwave, with lows-40s°C temperatures, now tests those lines. PM Lecornu delayed his holiday to manage the crisis.