Gironde begins recovery after wildfire that burned 42,000 hectares: tourism, aid, and the risk of resurgence

Tourism struggles to restart

After the fire was declared fixed on 1 August, businesses and residents are returning. At a campsite in Arès, only 50 of 400 pitches are occupied.

When we heard it was possible, we got in the car straight away, making sure it was safe.

Seasonal worker Margot Naud, back after 10 days of partial unemployment, said getting back to work really helps economically, as most staff are students. But some sites were destroyed: at one establishment, 22 of 60 lodgings burned down. Owner Alexandre Richard hopes to reopen next spring.

It's a hard blow for my staff, for everyone, but we're going to try to get back on our feet.

Occupancy rates and economic damage

Tourism authorities report that 74% of stays in Gironde and 75% in Landes were maintained despite the fires. Current occupancy rates range from 30-40% in the weakest areas to 75% on the Médoc, well below the usual 90-100% for early August.

The season isn't over! If you haven't cancelled your holidays, come; if you're looking for a destination, come.

The sector generates 3.8 billion euros annually in Gironde, with 1.32 billion in July and August alone, and supports 40,000 jobs. Only 4% of Gironde's territory and 9 of its 150 campsites were directly affected.

Administrative reinforcements and aid

In Le Porge, where 183 homes were destroyed and half the commune's area burned, the town hall has swelled from a dozen staff to around 40, with volunteers from across France.

We start at 8:30 and stay as long as there's work to do.

A sub-prefect from the Somme cut short her holiday to help. Mayor Martial Zaninetti called for a "Marshall Plan" for victims, describing the damage as "monstrous, catastrophic." The prefect announced a ministerial decree this week recognising the event as a major disaster, easing administrative procedures for felling damaged trees and providing financial aid for timber extraction and chipping.

Firefighting and the risk of resurgence

Although the fire is fixed, firefighters continue to tackle hotspots and the threat of "zombie fires" in peat-rich soil.

The fire can smoulder, creep and stay silent.

Captain Nicolas Braz said there were minor flare-ups overnight Saturday to Sunday. Ukrainian firefighters have joined the effort, with 70 personnel helping to extinguish remaining hotspots.

They are at war at home, they come to us, it's wonderful. It gives meaning back to the values of fraternity and humanity.

Looking ahead

The prefecture and forestry stakeholders met to plan the "forest of tomorrow," discussing renewal, fire protection regulations, and the role of irrigated agriculture or solar farms. A broader meeting is set for September. Meanwhile, residents on the Cap Ferret peninsula are returning with relief.

Everyone is happy to be home after more than a week of wandering.

Bike rental manager Kevin Duval noted the economic impact: "It's the worst two weeks possible in the summer season." As the region rebuilds, the immediate focus is on salvaging the rest of August.