France Evacuates 10,000 Tourists as Wildfire Spreads

French authorities have evacuated around 10,000 tourists after a fast-moving wildfire swept across the Atlantic coast near Bordeaux, forcing thousands to leave holiday resorts and campsites.

Officials in the Gironde prefecture said the evacuation affected eight holiday centers and three campsites, while around 1,000 local residents were also moved from several locations. No injuries have been reported.

The wildfire broke out around midday on Wednesday in the village of Saumos before rapidly spreading across approximately 2,000 hectares. The blaze initially advanced towards Le Porge before moving in the direction of Lège-Cap-Ferret.

Around 500 firefighters remain on the ground battling the fire, with authorities warning that conditions continue to hamper containment efforts.

By Wednesday evening, firefighting operations involved four water-bombing aircraft and around 150 emergency vehicles as crews worked to prevent the wildfire from spreading further.