Officials said the peninsula, which lies near Lege-Cap-Ferret, was at high risk due to hot, dry conditions and an ongoing drought across parts of the country. Emergency services redirected resources to ensure all residents and vacationers left the area in a timely manner, prioritizing vulnerable populations and those with limited mobility.
The decision marked a rare escalation in the firefighting response, as authorities typically rely on staged evacuations when fires encroach on populated coastal zones. Local authorities set up temporary gathering points and advised evacuees to bring essential belongings, including personal identification, medications, and crucial documents. Boats were dispatched to assist rapid evacuation from stricken coastal neighborhoods and docks.
The fires come amid a heatwave and ongoing water shortages affecting portions of France, contributing to dry vegetation and challenging containment efforts. Fire departments reported multiple ignition points and said several incidents remained active as of Friday, with crews working around the clock to create firebreaks and protect nearby residential and tourist infrastructure.
No immediate casualties were reported in connection with the evacuation order, according to authorities. Officials urged the public to avoid travel to the region to prevent hindering emergency operations and to follow official channels for information and further instructions.
France has seen a series of wildfires along its Atlantic coastline in recent days, prompting heightened alert levels and the deployment of additional resources from regional and national agencies. The situation remained fluid, with updates expected as firefighting teams monitor fire behavior and weather conditions in the coming hours.