A wildfire reached within 15 kilometers of Bordeaux and triggered evacuations in southwest France.
Why it matters: The fire is disrupting transport and emergency operations near one of southwest France's largest cities during peak summer travel. Residents, businesses and travelers in the Gironde region face changing evacuation orders and transit disruptions.
- AP reported the blaze reached about 15 kilometers, or 9 miles, from Bordeaux at its closest point.
- French authorities ordered evacuations in several localities southwest of Bordeaux as dry conditions and shifting winds complicated firefighting, AP reported.
- Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave told BBC the fire was "at the gates of the metropolitan area."
- AP said Bordeaux's airport remained open while bus and tram service was suspended.
A wildfire in southwest France moved close enough to Bordeaux to trigger new emergency measures, according to AP reporting.
AP reported the blaze came within about 15 kilometers, or 9 miles, of the city at its closest point. Officials ordered evacuations in several localities southwest of Bordeaux as dry conditions and shifting winds made firefighting harder.
Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave told BBC on July 27 that the fire was "at the gates of the metropolitan area." The BBC report also said the city turned an exhibition center into a shelter for evacuees.
AP said Bordeaux's airport remained open, while bus and tram service was suspended. AP also reported that aircraft, helicopters, soldiers and emergency shelters were part of the response as authorities worked to contain the blaze.
By the numbers
- 15 kilometers - distance the fire reached from Bordeaux at its closest point, according to AP.
- 9 miles - AP's equivalent distance from the city at the fire's closest point.