Flights cancelled at major airport as blaze breaks out with two firefighters dead

A massive fire broke out next to Bordeaux Airport in France on Tuesday at around 2.30pm local, with two firefighters already having been confirmed dead while battling the flames

Abigail Hunt Content Editor

16:21, 21 Jul 2026Updated 16:43, 21 Jul 2026

[Two firefighters have died while battling the ongoing vegetation fire near Bordeaux-Mrignac airport, which is spreading to buildings]

Two firefighters have died while battling the ongoing vegetation fire near Bordeaux-Mrignac airport, which is spreading to buildings(Image: @InfosFrancaises/X)

Flights have been cancelled at a major airport after a massive fire broke out nearby, with two firefighters sadly killed in the horror incident.

Local media is reporting that the fire started on Avenue Roland Garros, close to Bordeaux Airport's long-term P4 car park, with the blaze already having spread across approximately one hectare after breaking out at around 2.30pm local time.

Two firefighters were killed while tackling the fire, confirmed France's Interior Minister Laurent Nuez. Flights departing from Bordeaux Airport have now been temporarily suspended, with multiple roads around the airport closed off for emergency services to attend the incident.

[The fire broke out at around 2.30pm local time]

The fire broke out at around 2.30pm local time(Image: @InfosFrancaises/X)

Firefighters are continuing to fight the flames as thick black smoke fills the sky, with the incident thought to now be under control. Flights are also now resuming at the airport.

The Gironde department was placed on the highest red alert for forest fires on Tuesday following weeks of heatwaves and dry conditions.

More than 42,000 hectares have burned across France between January and mid-July, already surpassing the previous record set in 2022.

[Multiple roads around the airport have been closed off for emergency services access]

Multiple roads around the airport have been closed off for emergency services access(Image: @InfosFrancaises/X)

French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the two firefighters killed in a post on X.

He said: "Two firefighters lost their lives while responding to a fire in Mrignac.

"I extend to their families, to their loved ones, and to the firefighters of France the condolences, the gratitude, and the support of the Nation."

Laurent Nuez wrote on X: The Nation bows before their courage and their commitment to protecting the French people.

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Travellers should check details of their travel before heading to the airport.

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