Wildfires in France. Photo: Shutterstock French authorities have ordered a temporary maritime shutdown in Arcachon Bay as emergency services carry out sea evacuations from the Lège Cap Ferret peninsula amid a major wildfire in the Gironde department.
The Atlantic Maritime Prefecture announced on Friday, July 24, 2026, that it had enacted an Order at the request of the Gironde Prefecture to facilitate the evacuation of residents and visitors threatened by the ongoing fires affecting Le Porge and Lège Cap Ferret. Earlier this week, French authorities announced the deaths of two firefighters trying to contain the ongoing wildfire in Mérignac, Gironde.
The move activates a maritime evacuation plan established in 2023 specifically for large forest fires on the peninsula, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Under the order, all vessels and watercraft are temporarily prohibited from navigating across a large section of Arcachon Bay. Authorities said the restrictions are necessary to ensure the safe movement of rescue teams and evacuation vessels.
Officials outlined two primary objectives behind the navigation ban. First, coastal waters around the Lège Cap Ferret peninsula and maritime routes near Île aux Oiseaux have been reserved exclusively for public service vessels and boats participating in evacuation efforts. Second, limited access to the Port of Arcachon will remain available only for vessels arriving from the Atlantic Ocean that are unable to seek refuge elsewhere.
Authorities warned that any unauthorized vessel leaving a port or anchorage within the restricted zone could face penalties.
The Arcachon Bay area is one of France's most popular summer destinations, attracting thousands of tourists each year with its beaches, sailing opportunities, and nearby attractions, including the Dune du Pilat. The emergency measures come during the peak holiday season, raising concerns for travelers currently staying in the region.
While officials have not disclosed the number of people expected to be evacuated by sea, the decision to activate a dedicated evacuation plan underscores the scale of the wildfire response.
Travelers in southwestern France are being urged to monitor official updates and follow instructions from local authorities. Those planning to visit Arcachon Bay or the Cap Ferret peninsula should be prepared for disruptions until the situation improves.
Firefighting operations remain ongoing, and authorities have yet to announce when maritime traffic will be allowed to resume.
In mid-July, Italy issued high wildfire alerts across parts of Sardinia and Sicily amid hot, dry weather raising the risk of fast-spreading fires.