The streets of Bordeaux on Sunday bore an unsettling resemblance to the darkest days of the Covid-19 pandemic with many residents once again wearing surgical masks, FFP2 respirators and homemade cover-ups. This time, however, they were not trying to protect themselves from a virus but from the toxic smoke billowing from a massive wildfire that has been raging across the southwest Gironde region. Read moreBordeaux under threat as France and Spain battle 'unprecedented' wildfires Since Friday evening, Bordeaux has been covered by a thick plume of smoke containing fine particulate matter. Ash has settled across the city while the smell of burning lingers in the air.
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Cover image: © France 24
'It changes constantly with the wind' The yellow-tinged haze has done little to empty the bustling Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of Bordeaux's main shopping streets. Among those out enjoying the summer afternoon were Laure and Claire. While Laure was dressed for the warm weather, Claire had added an FFP2 mask to her summer outfit.
