Beirut: French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Monday that France faces an "unprecedented" wildfire and that "the weeks ahead will be difficult" as authorities continue battling the massive blaze in the Gironde department. "The weeks ahead will be difficult and we must hold on," Macron said during a visit to the departmental fire and rescue operational center (CODIS) in Bordeaux. He added that the Gironde blaze was "totally unprecedented."

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron emphasized that the country must remain mobilized against what he described as an exceptional wildfire. The French president extended his gratitude to the firefighters, elected officials, civil protection personnel, police officers, gendarmes, military personnel, healthcare workers, volunteers, and farmers involved in the response. He also expressed appreciation to European countries that have provided assistance to France, acknowledging a strong chain of solidarity.

"I know life is difficult, that there is anxiety, crops have been lost and fuel is expensive," Macron said. "I know these past few days have been extremely difficult." Macron paid tribute to the two firefighters who died last week while battling the wildfires, offering his condolences and thanking emergency services for their continued efforts. He highlighted the need for France to eventually replant and rebuild its forests differently in response to increasingly destructive wildfires.

The wildfire that broke out near Saumos in the Gironde department on Wednesday has burned around 42,000 hectares (103,784 acres) and forced the evacuation of approximately 220,000 people. A total of 84 firefighters have been injured while battling the blaze. Wildfires also remain active in Haute-Corse, Var, and Landes, while authorities said the fire in the Hautes-Alpes department has been brought under control.