As yet another heatwave sends temperatures soaring in Europe, Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene have issued a statement sending ‘heartfelt support’ to France, Spain and the UK as they battle wildfires.
The fires in the south-western region of France, particularly Gironde, have been described by a French Federation of Firefighters spokesperson as a ‘David and Goliath’ situation; and President Macron, who paid a visit to the firefighting teams, called it the worst fire-related crisis since World War II.
“We’re facing a completely unprecedented fire,” the French president said, as the monster fire blazes not far from famous wine region Bordeaux. This afternoon Lège-Cap Ferret, west of Bordeaux, suffered a significant flare-up. So far 220,000 people have b een
Admitting the weeks ahead will be tough, Macron said “we must stay firm” and vowed “we will win this battle”.
Temperatures are predicted to reach at least 39C in some regions this week, as this wildfire season in France and Spain is being called one of the worst in modern history.
Climate Crisis and the Fires in Europe
Both Prince Albert and the UK’s Prince William highlighted the climate crisis. Prince Albert said the fires “stem in part from the major disruptions affecting our climate and call, more than ever, more courageous responses. Protecting our environment is an urgent matter that must unite us all.”
Prince William tweeted a similar sentiment, saying: “These events are a stark reminder of the challenges posed by an increasingly extreme climate and the importance of protecting both people and nature.”
Spain’s prime minister also declared that the climate crisis is making wildfires “even more violent and heatwaves more frequent”.
Messages of support for firefighting personnel
Pointing out that the fires impact “precious natural environments and fragile biodiversity”, Prince Albert said “as fierce wildfires affect many regions of the world—notably France, Spain, and the United Kingdom—Princess Charlene joins me in extending our heartfelt support to all those suffering the consequences.
“Our thoughts are with the families facing hardship, those forced to leave their homes, and all the communities mobilizing to confront this ordeal.”
The Monaco couple commended the “remarkable courage” of firefighters, rescue teams and all those working to protect the people and safeguard threatened areas.
“In these difficult times, we stand in solidarity with every person affected,” said Prince Albert.
Prince William’s message was similar, adding: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating wildfires across France, Spain and the UK. We are deeply grateful to the firefighters, emergency services and volunteers working tirelessly in extraordinarily difficult conditions.”
The BBC reported this evening that up to 220,000 people have been evacuated in the Gironde area, and another 30,000 from the neighbouring Landes region.
Train passengers encouraged to postpone travel this week and trains cancelled
The SNCF has announced that due to the fires in Gironde and Landes (north of the Arcachon basin and Biscarrosse area), the Government recommends that travellers to these areas postpone their travel until Friday 31/07/2026 inclusive. Trains between Bordeaux and Arcachon and between Bordeaux and Morcenx have been suspended until 30 July. The SNCF said there will be an “exceptional refund of your ticket without charge”.
