Ankara: Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Saturday that Germany is dispatching aircraft and emergency crews to aid France in combating significant wildfires in the country's southwest. The assistance comes as France grapples with massive blazes that have been raging since mid-week.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chancellor Merz detailed the support effort in a social media post, stating, "I am in close contact with (French President) Emmanuel Macron. We are sending assistance to the wildfire-affected areas in France to support our neighbors. A helicopter, an A400 aircraft and emergency personnel are on their way." President Macron expressed his gratitude in German, thanking Germany for its prompt response.

The wildfires, which have been active since Wednesday in the Gironde department, have already ravaged more than 30,000 hectares (74,131 acres) and led to the evacuation of nearly 170,000 people. Authorities have raised concerns as the blaze edges closer to the Bordeaux metropolitan area, with fires also reported in the adjacent Landes department.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced on Saturday that nearly 98,000 hectares have been consumed by the fires across France, marking a historic record for the country. The German aid is expected to bolster French firefighting efforts as they continue to battle the advancing flames.