France Finance Minister Warns of Economic Shock for Region Hit by Fires

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said wildfires in the southwest are a major economic setback for the region as businesses and tourists were forced to evacuate. “Everyone is fully mobilized in response to the ecological and social disaster,” Lescure said after a meeting with insurance companies at the finance ministry. “But it’s also an economic thunderbolt hitting a region that did not need it.” “Fires — although they account for only 4% of claims — generate the second-highest cost for home insurance, representing some 25% of the total, according to a report released in 2025 by the French insurance federation.” More than 200,000 people have been evacuated from the Gironde as uncontrolled and erratic wildfires spread through region around Bordeaux. While the area of the blaze was largely stable on Monday morning, the situation remains fragile, David Annotel, who represents the national firefighters association, said on Franceinfo radio. Around 13,000 businesses are based in places where authorities have ordered evacuations, Lescure said. The finance minister said insurers agreed to extend deadlines to for their clients to make claims related to the fires. He also said insurers would cover relocation costs for households ordered to evacuate, even if there is no damage to their homes. Fires — although they account for only 4% of claims — generate the second-highest cost for home insurance, representing some 25% of the total, according to a report released in 2025 by the French insurance federation. Related: French Fire Burns Near Bordeaux as Spain Fights Blazes Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics France Was this article valuable? Thank you! Please tell us what we can do to improve this article. Thank you! % of people found this article valuable. Please tell us what you liked about it. Here are more articles you may enjoy.