July the 28th, 2026 – Croatian firefighters are continuing to battle the intense Bordeaux wildfire ravaging southwestern France, and which keeps being rekindled by problematic winds.
Croatian Air Force firefighting pilots are continuing their mission in southwestern France, where they are helping battle the massive wildfire near Bordeaux. Index reports that this intense operation has now entered its fifth day, with crews facing increasingly difficult conditions as strengthening winds threaten to reignite areas that had previously been brought under control.
The members of the 855th Firefighting Squadron are operating in the Saumos area, just west of Bordeaux. According to Major Ivan Dukić, conditions improved after overnight rain, but rising temperatures and stronger afternoon winds have caused the fire to become active once again.
“The situation is much better than it initially was thanks to some rainfall. However, temperatures are increasing, and as the day progresses the wind is strengthening. The fire has been waking up again, so we’ll see what the days bring,” Dukić said from France.
Since arriving in France, the Croatian crews have carried out 118 flights, logged 20 hours of flying time, and dropped 576 tonnes of water on the catastrophic French wildfires. They are working alongside French and other international crews as part of the rescEU civil protection mechanism.
Despite the demanding mission abroad, Croatia’s aerial firefighting forces remain heavily engaged at home during the peak wildfire season. Between the 15th of June and the 27th of July, the 855th Firefighting Squadron took part in extinguishing 39 wildfires along Croatia’s coastline and on the islands.
Commander Colonel Željko Bukvić said Croatia’s ability to respond both domestically and internationally is the result of careful planning, good organisation and the experience of its firefighting crews. He stressed that the squadron remains ready to assist both Croatia and its European partners whenever needed. The enormous wildfire near Bordeaux remains one of France’s most serious emergencies, with strong, problematic winds, high temperatures and dry vegetation continuing to fuel the blaze repeatedly despite efforts. Croatian pilots remain on the front line as authorities work to prevent the fire from spreading further.
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