Cap Ferret wildfire: Get out now, Brits told as 'monster' blaze rages in French holiday hotspot

Britons facing the threat of a “monster” wildfire sweeping across parts of south western France have been told to join a major evacuation ordered by local civic chiefs.More than 400 people have already been transported from the tourist area, popular with Britons, by boat to safety in the town of Arcachon.Civic chiefs have ordered an emergency road and sea evacuation of residents.Maritime shuttles have been operating since early Friday morning.A wildfire burns through Lege-Cap-Ferret near the Cap Ferret peninsulaAFP/GettyIn 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.”Holidaymakers from Lege-Cap-Ferret disembark from a boat upon their arrival in Arcachon during an evacuation operation of the entire Cap-Ferret peninsula, in southwestern FranceAFP/GettyInfos 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.” 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. Read More“Their courage commands respect.”The fire, which started on Tuesday in Saumos, continued to rage overnight with 8,700 hectares (around 21,500 acres) devastated by the flamesAFP/GettyHe 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.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.