A raging wildfire in southern France has necessitated the evacuation of over 10,000 residents from numerous small towns and villages close to the Spanish border. Officials warned on Monday that strong winds are expected to exacerbate the situation, while the European Union pledged assistance with waterbombing aircraft and over 100 firefighters to bolster local efforts.
The blaze has already injured 16 individuals, including four firefighters, and charred 4,600 hectares in the Pyrenees’ foothills. The fire’s proximity to the third stage of the Tour de France led to its closure to ensure firefighter access, impacting the event’s logistics significantly.
Europe is experiencing above-average warming, escalating the frequency of heatwaves, which in turn increase wildfire risks. A parallel fire on the Spanish side also continues to pose threats. An arrest related to the suspected origin of the Spanish fire has been made. Meanwhile, Portugal is grappling with multiple wildfires, further straining emergency services.
(With inputs from agencies.)