France, Aug. 3 -- The largest blaze, in the Gironde department near Bordeaux, has been contained after burning through around 42,000 hectares in 11 days. The fire is no longer advancing, although crews are still tackling hotspots that could continue smouldering for months in the area's dry, peaty soil.

Authorities have authorised the return of thousands of evacuees to Le Porge - the municipality worst affected by the fire - from Monday afternoon. Residents and holidaymakers will also be allowed back into Lege-Cap-Ferret, including the popular tourist peninsula, from the evening, although campsites and several areas undergoing mine-clearing operations will remain closed.

Almost all of the 224,000 people evacuated from 23 municipalities s...