Blaze in southwestern France forces thousands to evacuate homes

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 7, 2026

A large wildfire near the French-Spanish border has forced the evacuation of over 10,000 people and burned more than 6,800 hectares across both countries. Authorities and the EU have intensified firefighting efforts amid worsening conditions, while the blaze has also disrupted the Tour de France route in the affected area.

A large wildfire in southwestern France has forced the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents from over twenty small towns and villages near the border with Spain. The blaze is burning primarily in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, close to the city of Perpignan, and local authorities have raised concerns that strong winds will exacerbate the situation.

The fire has consumed approximately 4,600 hectares of land in France, according to Pierre Regnault de la Mothe, the local prefect. On the Spanish side of the border, the fire has affected around 2,200 hectares, predominantly within the protected natural area of Les Gavarres in Catalonia. Though still significant, Catalan officials reported that the fire’s status had stabilized by late Saturday and expected full containment within the week.

The wildfire has resulted in injuries to several people, including firefighters. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez cautioned that worsening conditions meant the firefighting effort would intensify. “This morning conditions are deteriorating again,” he told a French television station, emphasizing that "the battle resumes."

In response to the emergency, the European Union deployed additional resources, including four waterbombing aircraft sent from Cyprus and Sweden, alongside more than 100 firefighters to assist local teams. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed the EU’s solidarity with France amid the crisis.

The fire has also impacted the third stage of the Tour de France, which was held in the affected region. Race organizers closed the route to the public to grant firefighters unimpeded access. While the stage continued as planned, officials reduced the number of team vehicles accompanying the race to minimize interference with emergency operations.

The wildfire’s severity is partly attributed to early summer heatwaves across France and western Europe, which have rendered large areas dry and particularly susceptible to fire. Authorities remain vigilant, as shifting weather patterns and wind conditions continue to shape the firefighting strategy.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.