Britons facing the threat of a “monster” wildfire sweeping across parts of south western France were given 30 minutes to join a major evacuation ordered by local civic chiefs.
The Foreign Office stressed that Brits should “follow the advice of local authorities” in the Gironde region of France where an evacuation is underway for the whole of the Cap Ferret peninsula.
More than 400 people have already been transported from the tourist area, popular with Britons, by boat to safety in the town of Arcachon.
BBC journalist Joanna Kent, who was on holiday at a campsite in Cap Ferret with her family, told how they had been given 30 minutes to join the evacuation.
“We first noticed the fire break out yesterday (Wednesday),” she explained on Instagram.
“We saw the smoke about four o’clock cycling back from the Cap Ferret Peninsula. There was ash in the air.
“We could see the smoke in the sky.”
She added: “Now the smoke has definitely got thicker this morning.
“We've been wondering all morning if we were going to be evacuated or not.
“In the last ten minutes, the police have come round and they told us that we've got 30 minutes to get out.
“So now there's a bit of a scramble with everyone here just packing up their cars and making a dash for it.”
David Morton, 53, a headmaster from Gloucester, told how he got an automated message at 3am on Friday, with the order for an immediate evacuation from the holiday resort area which includes a string of picturesque villages.
Within 15 minutes he, his wife and their two sons were in their car and heading off the Cap Ferret peninsula in nose to tail traffic driving at 30mph.
“We were within about half a mile (of the fire), and you could see towering flames, bright yellow, four or five storeys high...an entire forest clearly on fire.
“At that point, you realized that it was not a fire that was going to be under control any time soon.”
He added: “Everyone driving with lights on and with a light ash falling in the darkness and the headlights as well.
“So it was like every good film that we've ever seen of what the end of the day is like.”
Civic chiefs ordered the emergency evacuation by both road and sea.
Maritime shuttles have been operating since early Friday morning.
In London the Foreign Office said: “Wildfires are affecting parts of Gironde (in southwestern France), including areas around Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret.
“French authorities have evacuated some campsites and tourist accommodation.
“Access to affected areas may be restricted. Roads may be closed at short notice.”
In its guidance, it added: “If you are already in the area or are planning to travel there, follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media, and contact your accommodation or travel provider for latest guidance.”
Infos Francaises highlighted the scale of the wildfire.
It posted on X: “ALERT - A monster.
“The out-of-control mega-fire in #Gironde is taking on phenomenal proportions and has now burned nearly 5000 hectares since yesterday!
“The fire has reached Lège-Cap-Ferret where houses are in flames, explosions are being heard, the town hall and residential areas are being evacuated.”
🔥 ALERTE - Un monstre. Le mégafeu hors de contrôle en #Gironde prend des proportions phénoménales et a maintenant parcouru près de 5000 hectares depuis hier ! L'incendie a atteint Lège-Cap-Ferret où des maisons sont en flammes, des explosions sont entendues, la mairie et des… pic.twitter.com/DRMpwNlZsM
— Infos Françaises (@InfosFrancaises) July 23, 2026
The fire, which started on Tuesday in Saumos, continued to rage overnight with 8,700 hectares (around 21,500 acres) devastated by the flames.
French president Emmanuel Macron stressed the huge threat from wildfires in France.
He posted on X: “The situation remains under very high tension in the face of the fires ravaging the country, particularly in Gironde.
“My thoughts go out to our firefighters and the rescue forces who are battling relentlessly on the fire front.
“Their courage commands respect.”
He told how France had requested help from other European Union countries to deal with the fires spreading across the country, including aircraft and helicopters equipped to fight the blazes.
He also issued an appeal: “I call on our fellow citizens to exercise the utmost vigilance.
“Every gesture counts to protect our lives, our homes, our forests, our landscapes.”
Two firefighters died on Tuesday as they fought a blaze near Bordeaux airport.
Some 20,000 people have already been evacuated from the Gironde region.
🇫🇷 | Panique totale à #Biscarrosse, où des centaines de #touristes et d'habitants quittent la #ville alors que l'#incendie se rapproche. Malgré la mobilisation de 800 #pompiers le feu continue de progresser. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OtuwJQRD8L
— Instant Actu (@Inst_Actu) July 23, 2026
Seven British nationals were among 13 people who died earlier this month after devastating wildfires swept through southern Spain.
The Andalusian government said the victims including a 93-year-old British woman.
Another four British victims were found after their bodies were discovered in a burnt-out car.
In London, fire chiefs have warned of the threat of wildfire after three heatwaves so far this year.
They have urged people in the capital to create fire breaks around their garden.
Royal Parks have been turned into “tinderboxes” which could see blazes even in the city centre.
