France has activated the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism as rapidly spreading wildfires continue to burn across the country’s southwest, fuelled by extreme heat, strong winds and worsening drought conditions.

President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that the situation remained “extremely tense,” particularly in the Gironde department on France’s Atlantic coast.

Macron said European assistance would include two Canadair firefighting aircraft from Croatia, two Air Tractor planes from Portugal and two Black Hawk helicopters provided by the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Residents and Tourists Evacuated

Authorities ordered the complete evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula after flames moved closer to the popular tourist destination overlooking Arcachon Bay.

Boats were deployed to help transport residents and visitors, while others were instructed to leave through the peninsula’s only road connection to the mainland.

The fire has burned thousands of hectares of forest in Gironde, sending thick clouds of smoke over coastal towns and tourist areas.

Authorities had evacuated more than 10,000 people overnight on Thursday before expanding evacuation orders as the flames continued to advance towards populated areas and campsites.

Firefighters have struggled to contain the blaze because of shifting winds and extremely dry vegetation, while aircraft and helicopters continue dropping water over burning forests.

Second Major Fire Near Biscarrosse

The Gironde wildfire coincided with another major blaze near Biscarrosse, about 40 kilometres south of Cap Ferret, forcing thousands of people to leave campsites, tourist facilities and residential areas.

Local authorities urged residents to follow evacuation instructions and avoid returning to affected communities without official permission, warning that strong winds could quickly change the direction of the flames.

Large parts of France are experiencing severe drought following consecutive heatwaves and water shortages, leaving forests and vegetation highly vulnerable to fast-moving wildfires.