Southern France Wildfires Burn 700 Hectares, Force Evacuations
Photo: REUTERS
Massive wildfires have incinerated more than 700 hectares of woodland across southern France, triggering emergency evacuations and a crisis response.
The largest inferno began in the town of Beaufort within the Herault department before crossing into neighboring Aude.
Fierce winds and hostile weather conditions drove the flames toward northeastern Aude, prompting officials to evacuate the villages of Pouzols-Minervois and Mailhac.
While some fled, authorities ordered other residents to remain sheltered in their homes as crews worked to contain the front. The emergency response included over 280 firefighters, 30 gendarmes, 11 specialist forest firefighting teams, and six water-bombing aircraft.
In a separate incident, a fire in Frejus destroyed around 30 hectares, forcing the evacuation of three campsites. Displaced individuals sought temporary refuge in two schools while authorities closed local roads, including the D37.
Feux de Foret platform monitors 23 active vegetation fires in the south. Meteo-France has placed six southern departments on the highest wildfire alert, while Ardeche, Drome, and Var maintain the second-highest level due to the extreme ongoing risk.
Source:
Anadolu Agency (adapted)
