A British expatriate residing in Bordeaux has shared her experience of the strong smell of smoke permeating her flat as wildfires encroach within a nine-mile radius of the French city.
Karen Kissane, 51, originally from Newcastle, was vacationing in Barcelona when she received distressing news about the struggle of firefighters to contain a nearby wildfire close to her residence of the past six years. Upon her return to Bordeaux, Karen expressed the unsettling atmosphere in the city, noting the pervasive odor of smoke.
Describing her living conditions, Karen mentioned, “We are venturing outside just for some fresh air because aside from the concerns about the fires, the air quality is unpleasant. Currently, my apartment is filled with the smell of burning even with all windows and doors shut. Opening the front door revealed ash particles, indicating their presence in the air.”
Initially uncertain about returning home due to conflicting online information, Karen eventually decided to fly back to Bordeaux. Reflecting on her arrival, she noted the intense smell of burning in the air and the unusual weather conditions.
The ongoing struggle of French firefighters to contain widespread fires follows three heatwaves in the country this summer, with another heatwave forecasted for the upcoming week. The region, including Bordeaux, is currently facing evacuations, leading to a plea for holidaymakers to avoid the area.
Karen expressed her vigilant monitoring of the situation and readiness to relocate her two children to a safer location if necessary, emphasizing her priority of ensuring their safety amidst the unpredictable conditions. She also shared accounts of friends forced to evacuate their holiday homes in Cap Ferret due to the fire emergency.
As the situation unfolds, the Foreign Office has issued travel advice cautioning individuals in affected areas to adhere to instructions from local authorities and emergency services. Evacuations and road closures may occur suddenly, urging travelers to stay informed and contact emergency services if needed.
The current circumstances in Bordeaux and surrounding areas underscore the severity of the wildfires and the importance of preparedness and caution during this challenging period.