France battles multiple wildfires amid third heatwave

France is grappling with multiple wildfires across the country, intensified by a relentless third heatwave this summer. The most critical situation is unfolding in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in the south, near the Spanish border, where a fire that began Saturday has scorched 4,900 hectares.

Authorities evacuated approximately 10,000 people on Monday as over 800 firefighters worked to contain the flames. While the fire did not spread overnight due to firebreaks, it remains unstabilized. Reinforcements, including two French and six European aircraft, are expected to join the efforts on Tuesday. The blaze has also caused 11 injuries and forced a significant delay to the Tour de France's third stage.

This is not an isolated incident. Other fires are active or under surveillance in departments like Drôme, Hérault, Gard, Haute-Loire, and Lozère. These blazes are fueled by prolonged high temperatures and extremely dry vegetation. The French Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, vowed a "relentless" response against arsonists and urged public adherence to official instructions.

The extreme weather has prompted meteorological service Météo-France to issue a heat advisory for 61 departments, with three southeastern departments on red alert for extreme fire risk. Authorities have restricted access to forest areas and advised vulnerable populations to limit outdoor activities. The recurring heatwaves have also reignited political debate, with one senator proposing the temporary requisition of vacant air-conditioned buildings to shelter the public.

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the response of the State will be 'relentless'