George and Amal Clooney evacuate French home amid wildfires

George and Amal Clooney have evacuated their primary residence in Brignoles, southeastern France, as wildfires continue to ravage parts of Europe, according to multiple reports. The couple, who have lived in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region with their 9-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, sent a letter to the town’s mayor, Didier Brémond, expressing concern for the safety of the community and their commitment to rebuilding if their home is lost.

The letter, shared with USA TODAY by Clooney’s representative, stated: “At this point we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment.” The couple emphasized two priorities: “first, we hope you and the people of our city are safe, and second that 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.” They reiterated their affection for Brignoles and its residents, calling the town “beautiful” and pledging to remain involved in its recovery.

The evacuation comes amid a severe wildfire crisis across southern Europe, with blazes spreading rapidly in France, Spain, and Greece. In France, the Gironde region has seen over 224,000 people evacuated, while the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, where the Clooneys reside, has also faced mass displacements. The fires, fueled by a heatwave that has pushed temperatures to 41°C in some areas, have grown to four times the size of Paris, according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, Greece has reported two firefighter deaths and widespread evacuations on Crete and the Peloponnese, as blazes threaten villages and islands.

Clooney, 64, and Amal, 48, have made France their family’s primary home since 2024, after obtaining French citizenship in 2025. The actor has frequently praised the region’s rural lifestyle, describing it as a contrast to the “culture of Hollywood” he seeks to shield his children from. In a 2025 interview with Esquire, he noted that life on their farm “hasn’t been on their iPads” and that his twins “have dinner with grown-ups and have to take their dishes in.” The couple also owns properties in Lake Como, Italy; Kentucky; and England, though their French estate has been their focal point for family life.

The wildfires have drawn warnings from European officials about the escalating crisis. Maria Zuber, head of the EU’s Emergency Response Co-ordination Centre, cautioned that “all of Europe” could be at risk if the blazes continue to spread. She highlighted the threat to Greece, Italy, and Central Europe, citing “strong winds” and “extreme heat” as key factors. In France, the Gironde fire has been particularly devastating, with over 2,200 firefighters and 20 aircraft deployed to contain the blaze. Authorities have also raised concerns about the potential impact on critical infrastructure, including a nuclear power plant in the Tarn-et-Garonne department, which faced a shutdown earlier this month due to rising river temperatures.

The Clooneys’ evacuation underscores the urgency of the situation, even for high-profile individuals. Their letter to the mayor has been widely shared, with fans and media outlets highlighting their solidarity with local residents. “We love Brignoles and our friends who live there,” the couple wrote, a sentiment echoed by their public advocacy for climate resilience and disaster preparedness.