France Wildfires

A De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 releases fire retardant as it flies over a forest near Blagon, during wildfires in southwestern France, Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

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Southern Europe burns as 3 firefighters die and France battles blaze 4 times the size of Paris

Southern Europe burns as 3 firefighters die and France battles blaze 4 times the size of Paris

Fire crews in southwest France are battling a massive blaze four times the size of Paris, while two firefighters were killed fighting a wind-driven blaze on the Greek island of Crete. Temperatures in France are forecast to climb above 104 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, complicating efforts. The fire has forced 220,000 people from their homes. Authorities in the Gironde region said the situation was calm overnight, but the heat wave and winds could cause flare-ups. Across France and Spain, 330,000 people have been displaced by wildfires. More than 2,200 firefighters and over 20 aircraft remained mobilized, backed by crews from across France and European partners.