France, Aug. 17 -- The Gironde fires, which began in July, destroyed more than 40,000 hectares - an area four times the size of Paris - and forced the evacuation of more than 220,000 people. Although the blaze is now under control, it remains under close watch.

Le Porge is no stranger to natural disasters, having suffered droughts, heatwaves, floods and even small earthquakes over the years.

But this year the community was badly hit by the worst forest fires to hit France in more than half a century. While no one was injured or killed, 183 homes were burnt down and several businesses forced to close.

After being allowed to return at the beginning of August, locals are now faced with the challenge of making insurance claims, with many q...