America News Agency

According to CCTV, the massive wildfire affecting the Gironde region in southwestern France has remained out of control for nearly a week, forcing approximately 220,000 people to evacuate.

Many families living in the affected areas are staying in temporary shelters while waiting to return home, saying that the uncertainty surrounding the situation is becoming increasingly difficult.

The convention center north of Bordeaux has been used as the largest evacuation site. Since the fire broke out on July 22, four exhibition halls have been opened to accommodate evacuees. At the peak of the wildfire, more than 6,000 people spent the night at the center.

Evacuee Louise Rigaud described the anxiety they experienced, saying, “When we received the evacuation message, we were really stressed. It was the first time this had ever happened to us.”

Dahlia Rigaud said the situation was even more difficult because of her mother's health problems, adding that the stress had affected them deeply.

Some families initially believed they would be evacuated for only a few days, but as the wildfire continued, they were unable to obtain clear information about when they would be allowed to return.

The Montessuy family, evacuated from the northwestern suburbs of Bordeaux, said they were particularly concerned about the psychological impact on their children. They explained that the children had never experienced such a situation before and were struggling with the uncertainty.

Authorities in Gironde stated that no residents would be allowed to return home until the wildfire is fully under control. While the French government and the Bordeaux metropolitan administration continue to provide temporary accommodation, more than 13,000 requests for assistance have been submitted so far.

Young evacuee Cyrielle Montessuy said, “I want to go home soon. I miss my bed, my bathroom, my toys and my family.”

According to authorities, the wildfire was still not under control as of Monday afternoon. They added that for residents, the greatest challenge is not temporary accommodation but the uncertainty about when they will be able to return home and what condition their homes will be in.