How to Help in Practical Ways
Donations of supplies— each affected municipality is organizing its own collection point (Bordeaux, Talence, Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, the Arcachon Basin area, etc.). Never go directly to the Parc des Expositions, which is reserved for receiving evacuees. Check with your local town hall before heading out, as collection points and needs change from day to day.
Items most urgently needed— non-perishable beverages and water, hygiene products, basic clothing, pet food (many evacuations involve pets), power strips, and chargers.
Volunteering— to volunteer, call the toll-free number 0 800 006 090 (8:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.) or visit your local city hall’s website.
Housing – If you are able to take in evacuees, please let your local city hall or the local support networks know (particularly in the Arcachon Basin area).
Protecting Yourself from Smoke: What You Need to Know
According to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Health Agency (ARS), air quality has deteriorated in certain areas of the region, as smoke can be carried dozens of kilometers depending on wind conditions. It is therefore possible to smell a burning odor even far from the fire’s source, though this does not necessarily indicate an immediate danger.
Indoors— close doors and windows, ventilate only when air quality improves, and temporarily turn off your mechanical ventilation system if you have one. Avoid any additional sources of indoor pollution (cigarettes, candles, incense).
Outdoors – limit non-essential travel and intense physical activity. If you must go outside or are directly exposed to smoke, wear a properly fitted FFP2 mask.
Important tip— if you experience breathing difficulties, eye irritation, or skin irritation, the ARS recommends rinsing thoroughly with clean water and consulting a doctor if the symptoms persist.
At-risk individuals— people with asthma or heart or respiratory conditions are advised to be extra cautious, as are frontline workers (emergency responders, law enforcement, and home care providers).
To stay updated on the situation, the ARS and the Gironde Prefecture recommend checking the Atmo index for your municipality rather than relying on information circulating on social media.
The situation continues to evolve. Before traveling, making a donation, or offering assistance, verify the information with your local town hall or the Gironde Prefecture, rather than relying on an address or phone number shared on social media that may no longer be up to date.
