France: Massive wildfire burns 42,000 hectares in Gironde, southwestern France.

SHOTLIST: GIRONDE, FRANCE (JULY 27, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF BURNED FOREST AREA / FIREFIGHTERS SPRAYING WATER WITH FIRE CANON ON FIRETRUCK 2. DRONE SHOT OF BURNED FOREST AREA (TWO SHOTS)GIRONDE, FRANCE - JULY 27, 2026: A massive wildfire struck the Gironde department of southwestern France on Monday, July 27. As firefighters continued efforts to contain the flames, the wildfire caused widespread destruction across affected areas, where burned vehicles, damaged buildings, destroyed roads, and charred trees were visible. Authorities stated that the spread of the flames has been halted, but the wildfire remains active under difficult conditions. The blaze, which started in the Saumos area on Wednesday, has burned around 42,000 hectares, according to Gironde authorities. More than 220,000 people were evacuated as a precaution, while around 240 homes were fully or partially damaged. Around 2,500 firefighters, 1,500 soldiers and 1,200 security personnel are involved in the response as crews continue to monitor the fire area. Authorities said the spread of the flames has been halted, but the wildfire remains active under difficult conditions. A red-level wildfire alert remains in place, with a new heat wave expected to affect the region and temperatures forecast to reach 40C. Officials warned evacuated residents not to return home until the fire is fully under control.