France's largest wildfire since 1949 under control

France's largest wildfire since 1949, which erupted in a pine forest near France — Bordeaux in the France — Gironde region, has been brought under control as of August 1, 2026, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. The fire, which started around July 22, burned 42,000 hectares of pine forest and destroyed about 240 homes. It forced the evacuation of over 220,000 people, most of whom have returned home. The fire was one of several across France, including a fast-moving blaze in the France — Var (department) region and a fire in the France — Fontainebleau forest near Paris. In total, 92,000 hectares have burned in France in 2026, the largest area on record in the past 20 years, according to the International — European Forest Fire Information System. The fires have been exacerbated by a series of deadly heatwaves linked to human-made climate change. Police have arrested 308 people in connection with the fires. Rail traffic south of France — Bordeaux has resumed. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the fires are under control but cautioned that the situation remains precarious in some areas.