George Clooney flees French home as wildfire threatens village

The country’s worst wildfires in living memory are sweeping through the region

The couple left their Domaine du Canadel estate near the town of Brignoles after a fast-moving fire broke out on Wednesday evening. France has spent the past week battling devastating forest fires, with the largest ravaging 42,000 hectares in the southwest. The Brignoles blaze has burned 130 hectares and forced more than 600 people to flee, though most have since returned home.

George Clooney’s French estate under threat

The local mayor said the Clooneys, who have nine-year-old twins, were not required to leave but chose to as a precaution. In a letter to the mayor, quoted by People magazine, the couple set out their fears for the 18th-century property.

"At this point, we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment. Amal and I are committed to making sure that whatever happens to our village, we are part of this community and we’ll be part of making it whole."