France Issues Heat Alerts as Wildfires Rage and Nuclear Reactor Halts

France is grappling with an intense heatwave, prompting authorities to issue orange alerts in 72 departments as temperatures are forecast to climb as high as 41 degrees Celsius (105.8 Fahrenheit) over the weekend.

The extreme weather is intensifying existing wildfires, particularly in the southern regions. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has instructed prefects to mobilize volunteer firefighters more readily to combat the blazes. He noted that numerous departments, including Drome, Pyrenees-Orientales, Herault, and Loir-et-Cher, are affected by forest fires.

"More than 325 fires were detected across the country yesterday," Nunez stated on social media, emphasizing the commitment of firefighters to protect citizens. He also urged employers to facilitate the mobilization of their employees who volunteer as firefighters.

The heatwave's impact extends to transportation and energy infrastructure. The national railway company, SNCF, has canceled a quarter of its intercity train services due to the high temperatures. Additionally, French electric company EDF announced the temporary shutdown of one reactor at its Golfech nuclear power plant as a measure against the heatwave.

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More than 325 fires were detected across the country yesterday.