Cap Ferret locals stay despite wildfire evacuation

Residents and workers on France's Cap Ferret peninsula have stayed despite an evacuation order as a wildfire burned a few kilometres away and temperatures neared 40C.

Authorities ordered residents to leave last week as the fire moved close to the narrow strip between the Atlantic Ocean and Arcachon Bay. Benoit Bartherotte, 79, organised volunteers and logging machines to clear a firebreak near the village of Cap Ferret, saying the work was meant to protect homes.

Bartherotte said the work was initially halted by local authorities but that permits were later obtained. The volunteer team hoped to clear a strip 800 metres long and 80 metres wide within three days.

Oyster farmers, fishermen and retirees were among those who stayed. Some said they could not leave their work or feared losing their livelihoods.

Oyster farmer Bart Bosredon said production could be ruined if oyster beds were not tended and questioned whether oysters could be sold after the shortened tourist season, smoke and fire retardant from water bombers.