Wildfires in southwestern France have advanced to within 15 kilometers of Bordeaux, the city’s mayor Thomas Cazenave confirmed on Sunday.
The proximity of the flames to France’s sixth-largest city has intensified fears for urban infrastructure and population safety, prompting authorities to maintain high alert levels across the Gironde department.
The crisis has already forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and tourists from seven communes surrounding the metropolis.
Authorities are struggling to contain the blazes amid dry conditions and strong winds, which have allowed the fires to spread rapidly through forested areas bordering the city.
The disruption is significant for the region’s tourism-dependent economy, with hotels and local businesses facing sudden closures.
While the human and local economic toll is mounting, the immediate impact on global energy markets appears limited.