George and Amal Clooney evacuate French estate as wildfires ravage region
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Hollywood actor George Clooney and his wife, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, have evacuated their luxury estate in southeastern France as historic wildfires ravage the region. The couple departed their property, Domaine du Canadel, near the town of Brignoles, after flames broke out in the immediate vicinity on Wednesday evening.
According to information published by People magazine, the couple addressed a letter to the mayor of Brignoles expressing their uncertainty regarding the fate of their residence amid the encroaching disaster. In the correspondence, the Clooneys pledged their ongoing commitment to the local community, stating that regardless of the outcome for their home, they intend to remain part of the village and assist in the recovery efforts. Local authorities confirmed the authenticity of the letter, noting that while there was no formal mandate for the couple to vacate, they chose to evacuate as a proactive safety measure.
The region is currently grappling with one of the most destructive fire seasons in modern French history. In the southwest, a massive wildfire has already scorched approximately 42,000 hectares—an area larger than the city of Detroit. The specific blaze near the Clooney estate, which spans 170 hectares and features an 18th-century manor, a lake, and extensive vineyards, has consumed 130 hectares of land.
The incident near Brignoles necessitated the evacuation of more than 600 local residents, though many were cleared to return to their homes by Thursday. Emergency response efforts have been intense, with 270 firefighters deployed alongside chartered water-bombing helicopters to contain the flames. Four firefighters sustained injuries during the operation. While the immediate threat to the residential area has subsided, the broader crisis continues to strain firefighting resources across the country.
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