Multiple forest fires in southern France – Hundreds evacuated

A resident described the situation immediately before the evacuation. "We were evacuated yesterday afternoon and could see the flames from the street," said Béatrice Bourrel from the town of Pouzols-Minervois. She also reported that the entire town was enveloped in smoke.

Heat wave and wind fuel the fires

"The village was black with smoke," she added. Images and videos from the region show dense clouds of smoke settling over vineyards and towns. Residents were housed in collective shelters.

Near Rognac, west of Marseille, around 50 hectares burned, according to authorities. According to firefighters, this fire has since been brought under control. However, extinguishing work there continues to prevent the fire from reigniting.

Authorities urge caution

Emergency services attribute the fires to the current heat wave that has gripped large parts of southern France. The dried-out vegetation acts as easily ignitable fuel. Wind speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour further fanned the flames and drove them toward populated areas.

Weather services do not expect any noticeable cooling in the coming days. Authorities called on the public to avoid any open fire outdoors and to follow the instructions of emergency services. Several municipalities have restricted access to forests and natural areas.

In other parts of France, the forest fire risk has also risen recently. Reports of fires came, among other places, from the area around Avignon and Bordeaux. The national fire service warned that the situation would remain tense given the ongoing drought.

For the night, the operations centers deployed additional firefighting planes and helicopters. With temperatures dropping and winds easing in the morning hours, emergency services hope for better conditions to further contain the fires.

The prefecture announced it would support the affected municipalities in providing for the evacuees. Those affected could turn to the contact points that have been set up. When people will be able to return to their homes was initially unclear.