George and Amal Clooney evacuated their estate in Provence, France, overnight on July 30 after wildfires broke out in the nearby town of Brignoles.
The evacuation highlights the increasing vulnerability of historic properties and high-value estates to seasonal wildfires in southeastern France. As temperatures rise, these regions face greater risks of rapid fire spread that threatens both cultural heritage and residential areas.
The couple's property, known as the Domaine du Canadel, is an 18th-century estate [1] located in Brignoles. The property spans 425 acres [2], making it a significant landmark in the region. The fire forced an immediate departure to ensure the safety of the family and staff as flames approached the perimeter of the land.
Amal Clooney spoke to reporters following the evacuation. "We were just hoping it wouldn't get closer," she said.
George Clooney maintained communication with local government officials during the crisis. He sent a text message to Brignoles Mayor Didier Bremond to express his appreciation for the emergency response. "I just wanted to say thank you for all the support," Clooney said.
Local authorities in Provence have been battling the blazes to prevent further spread into the countryside. The Domaine du Canadel is one of several large estates in the area that require specialized firefighting strategies due to their size and age. The evacuation was carried out as a precaution while firefighters worked to contain the perimeter in Brignoles.
“"We were just hoping it wouldn't get closer," Amal Clooney said.”
The evacuation of a high-profile estate like Domaine du Canadel underscores the escalating threat of wildfires in the Mediterranean basin. When historic properties of this scale are threatened, it often triggers a larger mobilization of local resources and brings international attention to the regional climate volatility affecting southeastern France.
