Wildfires in northern France force mass evacuation of 1,200 campers

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, approximately 1,200 people were evacuated from a campsite in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France due to two active wildfires. Local prefecture officials reported that while one fire has been brought under control, the second continues to spread southward under "unfavourable" conditions. Firefighting efforts involve 87 personnel on the ground, with additional reinforcements and aerial support expected to arrive to combat the blaze, which has been difficult to access.

Authorities have urged both local residents and tourists to strictly follow emergency instructions and avoid the affected areas as officials work to contain the spread. This event occurs against the backdrop of an unusually active wildfire season across Europe, driven by a cycle of wet winters that promoted heavy vegetation growth followed by severe summer heatwaves. French Environment Minister Monique Barbut estimated that the ongoing heatwaves across the continent could result in direct and indirect costs reaching €15 billion ($17 billion).