Two critically injured in wildfire near French city of Perpignan

A wildfire raging west of the French city of Perpignan has left two people in critical condition, according to officials. The blaze, which began Saturday, had consumed 1,650 hectares by Sunday afternoon. Strong winds are fanning the flames, pushing the fire toward Casenoves.

One of the critically injured is a firefighter, and the other is a local resident. The prefecture of the Pyrénées-Orientales department did not specify the circumstances of their injuries. Authorities have asked residents in isolated farmhouses in eight nearby villages to gather together, though a general evacuation has not been ordered.

Efforts to control the fire are concentrated in Ille-sur-Têt, Rodès, and Bouleternère, with approximately 700 firefighters, 200 vehicles, and nine aircraft deployed. Romanian firefighters are also providing support. To manage the situation, four departmental roads have been closed to traffic.

Authorities are expected to announce by the end of the day whether the Tour de France stage scheduled for Monday will proceed as planned. The stage is set to begin in Granollers, Spain, and finish in Les Angles, France, which is about 60 kilometers from the fire.

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Two people were seriously injured and in critical condition due to a wildfire that was advancing by wind in a massif about thirty kilometers west of the French city of Perpignan and which had burned 1,650 hectares by mid-afternoon.