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France Lets 84,000 Evacuees Return, Highway Reopens

7/30/2026

30 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

France Allows Return

On July 30 2026, France allowed 84,000 wildfire evacuees to return, prefect Sophie Brocas announced.
Nearly two-thirds of the 224,000 ordered to evacuate have been cleared, including 60,000 who returned on Tuesday.
The A63 highway reopened at 2:00 p.m., restoring the main route to Spain.
Fire crews grew to 3,300 personnel and two dozen aircraft while the blaze, which burned about 42,000 hectares, stopped expanding.

Summary

Owners Expand Shelter

The Cabanes de Tchanquées kennel in Créon became a refuge for a hundred rescued cats, dogs, horses, a hedgehog and a squirrel.
Owners David Avril and Mary-Line expanded the site, posted a rescue appeal and used a vehicle to move animals from the fire.
Volunteers cited space and equipment shortages that limited rescues, prompting wildlife experts to warn that many mammals, amphibians, insects and reptiles perished, harming the forest ecosystem.

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France Allows Return

On July 30 2026, France allowed 84,000 wildfire evacuees to return, prefect Sophie Brocas announced.
Nearly two-thirds of the 224,000 ordered to evacuate have been cleared, including 60,000 who returned on Tuesday.
The A63 highway reopened at 2:00 p.m., restoring the main route to Spain.
Fire crews grew to 3,300 personnel and two dozen aircraft while the blaze, which burned about 42,000 hectares, stopped expanding.

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