France is confronting another severe wildfire outbreak, prompting the evacuation of over 20,000 residents and tourists from towns and resorts along the Atlantic Ocean coastline. The fire spread rapidly, coming as close as 300 meters to homes.
The wildfire ignited in forested areas near the town of Lege-Cap-Ferret, southwest of Bordeaux, and has since burned more than 31 square kilometers (about 19,000 rai). So far, there have been no reports of casualties or injuries.
Authorities in the Gironde province have deployed over 700 firefighters and have sent water-dropping aircraft to control the situation as the fire dangerously approached communities. Overnight, tourists staying in campgrounds and holiday camps, as well as residents living near the forest edge, were evacuated from the high-risk areas.
Later, officials ordered the evacuation of an additional 8,800 people from the village of Glaouey to prevent harm, and several shelters were opened to accommodate those affected.
Although firefighters have managed to prevent the fire from spreading to new areas, the wildfire remains uncontrolled, prompting all parties to maintain close monitoring.
France is experiencing ongoing severe wildfires after enduring multiple heatwaves since before summer began, resulting in severely dry forests and vegetation that increase the risk of large-scale fires. Scientists warn that climate change is causing heatwaves to become more frequent, prolonged, and intensifying wildfires.
Laurent Nunez, France’s Minister of the Interior, revealed that since the start of the year, more than 12,500 wildfires have occurred nationwide, burning nearly 44,000 hectares (around 275,000 rai). This highlights that France is facing one of its most severe wildfire seasons in years.
:AP
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