The department of Gironde in southwestern France has faced significant financial strain due to the wildfires that occurred this summer, with costs reaching 11 million euros for the departmental council. The local authority is now seeking exceptional aid from the French government to help cover these expenses. The situation comes as Gironde is already under an enhanced monitoring procedure because of its excessive budget deficit. According to ICI Gironde, the president of Gironde, Jean-Luc Gleyze, announced during a full session on Monday, September 28, that the cost of the fires this summer has reached 11 million euros for the departmental council. The local government is appealing to the central government for financial assistance. This summer's fires burned 42,000 hectares of land in Gironde, causing extensive damage to infrastructure such as roads, traffic signs, and trees that now need to be replaced. In addition to this, four middle schools were temporarily used as logistical bases to support firefighting efforts and provide meals. The department is also facing additional costs, including overtime pay for staff and funding for home care structures, even though those services were suspended during the crisis. These combined challenges are placing a heavy burden on the local budget. Jean-Luc Gleyze has expressed concern about Gironde becoming a "laboratory of risks," highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The region has experienced storms, floods, early heatwaves, and the recent fire in Saumos, all of which have contributed to a difficult year. Gironde is already under an enhanced monitoring procedure due to its excessive deficit, making it even more challenging to manage these new financial demands. In response to these challenges, Gleyze and the presidents of neighboring departments, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne, have sent a letter to the President of the Republic requesting compensation from the State to cover the exceptional expenses incurred. However, they have not yet received a response from the central government. The situation underscores the growing need for support from national authorities to help local governments cope with the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters.