France wildfires: 3,000 evacuated as blazes spread

Wildfires are raging in southern France, forcing the evacuation of nearly 3,000 people, including tourists and local residents. The blazes broke out in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and spread to the coastal town of Canet-en-Roussillon on Thursday, prompting an urgent response from emergency services.

Water-bombing aircraft and 200 firefighters are currently engaged in battling the flames. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries. Officials have described the weather conditions as particularly unfavorable for containment efforts. The situation is compounded by the aftermath of an 11-day heatwave in June, which saw temperatures exceed 40C in many areas and significantly increased the risk of wildfires.

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We are mobilising a large network of volunteers.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that 1,200 firefighters have been mobilized since Wednesday to combat forest fires across the country. The Meteo-France weather agency forecasts another period of elevated temperatures next week, though not expected to reach the extreme levels seen in June. This forecast adds to concerns about the ongoing fire risk.

Some French politicians have criticized the government's response to rising temperatures, with the Green party filing a no-confidence motion. The World Meteorological Organization previously noted that extreme heatwaves have major impacts on human health, ecosystems, agriculture, and infrastructure, while also worsening wildfire risks.

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Weather conditions remain particularly unfavourable.