Bristol Bordeaux Partnership expresses solidarity with Bordeaux as wildfires threaten the region
The Bristol Bordeaux Partnership has spoken of its deep concern for the people of Bordeaux and the wider Gironde region as wildfires continue to force large-scale evacuations across the area.
In recent days, fires have advanced towards the outskirts of Bordeaux and devastated surrounding communes, with tens of thousands of people evacuated and many now sheltering in exhibition centres and sports halls across the region. Emergency services, including thousands of firefighters, soldiers and police, continue to work around the clock to bring the situation under control.
Mike Healey, Chair of the Bristol Bordeaux Partnership, said:
“Everyone at the Bristol Bordeaux Partnership has been watching the situation in Gironde with real concern over the past few days. Bordeaux isn't an abstract 'sister city' to us, thousands of Bristolians have visited, studied, worked or made lasting friendships there through decades of twinning exchanges, and many of us will have friends, host families or former exchange partners directly affected. Our thoughts are with everyone in Bordeaux and the wider Gironde who has been evacuated or is anxious about their home, and with the firefighters and emergency services working around the clock. We are in touch with our partners in Bordeaux and are ready to help in whatever way is useful, whether that's sharing accurate information, passing on messages of support, or connecting people who want to help.”
The Partnership is following updates from official French and regional sources and sharing verified information via its social media channels. It is encouraging anyone with friends, family or former exchange contacts in the region to check official channels - such as bordeaux.fr and the city's dedicated wildfire information page, bordeaux.fr/le-mag/incendies-en-gironde-comment-sinformer - for the latest guidance, rather than relying on unverified reports.
Bristol and Bordeaux have been twinned since 1947, one of the oldest town-twinning relationships in Europe, and the Partnership will mark the 80th anniversary of that relationship in 2027. Over the decades, thousands of Bristolians have built lasting connections with Bordeaux through school, university, cultural and civic exchanges - links that make this week's events feel close to home for many local people.
Should anyone in Bristol wish to offer support in any way, whether as an individual, a business, or a community group, the Partnership is happy to take their details and pass them directly to its partners in Bordeaux, so that offers of help reach the right people.
Media contact:
Mike Healey
Chair (Vol), Bristol Bordeaux Partnership
Email: info@bristolbordeaux.org Website: http://www.bristolbordeaux.org