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France's firefighters on the wildfire frontline

06:17

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August 6, 2026

Massive wildfires are threatening southern France. DW meets the emergency responders and volunteers battling extreme conditions as they try to stop the flames from spreading further.

Extreme heat is fueling devastating wildfires across Europe, forcing mass evacuations in France, Greece and Spain. In France's Gironde region alone, 42,000 hectares were burned in what authorities described as the country’s worst wildfire since World War II. Firefighters and volunteers battle extreme temperatures, exhaustion and fast-moving flames, while European countries coordinate emergency support. Experts warn that climate change is making wildfires more frequent and intense, underscoring the need for stronger prevention, evacuation planning and early warning systems.

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