One by one, they release more than 1,000 gallons of water each, dousing the raging flames below. For thousands of firefighters and volunteers, this is the frontline of a week-long battle against wildfires that have forced tens of thousands to flee their homes, according to BBC News. Smoke drifts across empty roads and deserted villages west of Bordeaux, hiding the source of the flames. Fire crews from across France have joined the effort, soaking soil and vegetation in a process called “noyer” drowning. For now, the Gironde wildfires are under relative control, but far from extinguished.