The Meteo-France weather service reported that another phase of higher temperatures will affect the country next week, though these are anticipated to be less intense than those experienced in June.
Authorities announced on Thursday that nearly 3,000 individuals were evacuated in southern France and helicopters equipped for water-bombing have been deployed to combat wildfires following last month’s record heatwave.
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Evacuations of tourists and residents occurred after a wildfire ignited in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and extended toward Canet-en-Roussillon.
Fire services reported that around 3,000 people were moved, including about half coming from three campsites within the affected zone.
According to Pierre Regnault de La Mothe, the leading regional official for the Pyrenees-Orientales department, two firefighters sustained minor injuries.
A total of 200 firefighters and four water-bombing planes have been tasked with extinguishing the fires.
The prefect stated, «We are activating an extensive network of volunteers.»
Firefighters were involved in what was described as «an intense battle» to stop the fire from spreading into an industrial area, he added.
France endured an unprecedented heatwave in June that lasted 11 days, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several locations.
The World Meteorological Organisation noted last week that this exceptional heatwave not only had significant impacts on public health, ecosystems, agriculture, and infrastructure but also heightened wildfire risks.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that since Wednesday, 1,200 firefighters have been deployed to combat forest fires.
He commented on X that «weather conditions continue to be particularly adverse.»
Meteo-France forecasted another wave of high temperatures next week, though these are not anticipated to reach the June extremes.
Severe water stress is affecting plants and vegetation, increasing fire hazards, while strong winds sweep across the Mediterranean area.
Several French politicians have criticized what they consider insufficient government measures to address rising temperatures, and on Thursday the Greens submitted a motion of no confidence against the government.
Additional sources • AP, AFP