Hundreds of firefighters are battling multiple wildfires across France, amid strong winds and dry conditions, as the country’s heatwave persists.
More than nine million square (sq) metres of land has been scorched by the largest fire, which broke out in the commune of Pouzols-Minervois in southern France and spread, French broadcaster BFMTV reported.
Hundreds of residents have been evacuated as a precaution, although no homes are believed to have been destroyed. A number of vineyards, however, have been damaged.
The regional government in Aude said on Thursday that around 500 firefighters were tackling the forest fire, adding that climate conditions remained “unfavourable” due to heavy winds.
Strong winds on Wednesday night spread the smell of smoke across the south of France, including to Marseille Airport, where a pilot on one flight landing there reassured passengers that the smell was not coming from their aircraft, according to a witness.
Another wildfire had been brought under control in the Lançon-Provence region in southern France, the local fire brigade said. Around two million sq metres have already burned there.
A blaze in Rognac north of Marseille was contained overnight after scorching about 50 hectares.
The fires also disrupted transport, with regional TER rail services between Marseille and Miramas suspended Thursday morning after flames approached railway tracks.
Elsewhere, a wildfire in Fréjus on the Côte d’Azur was contained late Wednesday after burning through vegetation and prompting the evacuation of about 2,200 people from six campsites.
Eric Brocardi, Spokesperson for the National Federation of Firefighters, warned that wildfires are occurring increasingly earlier in the year.
"It's a reality, it's a certainty. Today we see it, it's an extremely complicated period for firefighters," he told European broadcaster RTL, noting that the fires are erupting before the peak summer holiday season, making it more difficult to mobilise volunteer firefighters.
France's weather office has warned that another spell of extreme heat could hit next week. Health authorities estimate the previous heatwave may have caused around 1,000 excess deaths in the country.
The World Meteorological Organization last week warned that the record temperatures that baked Western Europe for over a week in late June would worsen the risk of wildfires, given the outlook for sustained high temperatures, very low humidity and dry vegetation.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Ho...
The European Union has announced an additional €18 million ($20.5 million) in economic assistance for Armenia and moved to ease export rules for Arm...
Alphabet's Google has lost its final appeal against a multibillion-euro European Union antitrust penalty over its Android mobile operating system, han...
Kazakhstan will hold a snap parliamentary election on 23 August under a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, paving the way for a new con...
Syria is open to direct talks with Hezbollah if its national interests require it, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani said during a visit to Lebanon o...
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The European Union has announced an additional €18 million ($20.5 million) in economic assistance for Armenia and moved to ease export rules for Armenian goods, as Brussels seeks to strengthen ties with the South Caucasus country amid growing Russian trade pressure.
Alphabet's Google has lost its final appeal against a multibillion-euro European Union antitrust penalty over its Android mobile operating system, handing regulators a major victory in efforts to curb the power of Big Tech.
Kazakhstan will hold a snap parliamentary election on 23 August under a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, paving the way for a new constitutional system in the Central Asian state.
A Russian couple climbed to the top of the Empire State Building and unfurled a banner urging world peace before, in an apparent elaborate marriage proposal that ended with their arrests.
Iranian and U.S. negotiating teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both sides tested the interim ceasefire to end the four-month-old war.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran mediated by Qatar in Doha have concluded, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi has said.
Mexico ended their 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win, while Erling Haaland sent Norway through and Kylian Mbappé fired France into the last 16.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Alphabet's Google has lost its final appeal against a multibillion-euro European Union antitrust penalty over its Android mobile operating system, handing regulators a major victory in efforts to curb the power of Big Tech.
A record-breaking heatwave spread across the eastern U.S. on Wednesday (1 July), placing tens of millions of people under heat alerts just days before the country's 250th Independence Day celebrations.
A powerful heatwave sweeping across Europe has triggered deadly conditions, with authorities issuing urgent warnings as extreme temperatures continue to climb.
A breakaway Catholic group dedicated to preserving the traditional Latin Mass has ordained four new bishops in Switzerland, despite a direct appeal from Pope Leo XIV to halt the ceremony.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 2nd of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment