Approximately 12,000 residents were evacuated on Tuesday as an uncontrolled wildfire moved through France’s southern Pyrenees-Orientales department, broadcaster BFMTV reported.
The evacuations centred on the commune of Trevillach, where nearly 800 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the blaze. According to the prefect, the fire has already consumed 4,900 hectares (about 12,100 acres) and is yet to be brought under control, reports Anadolu Agency.
Colonel Eric Belgioino, who heads the Fire and Rescue Service for Pyrenees-Orientales, expressed doubt that the fire would be contained by the end of the day, citing weather conditions identical to those of the previous day.
Currently, wildfire risks are listed as “very high” in three departments and “high” in a further 61. An orange heatwave warning has been issued across 61 departments for Tuesday, with temperatures expected to hover between 35°C and 38°C. Forecasters warned that the mercury could rise to 41°C in southwestern regions.
France’s national weather service expects the intense heat to last until the end of the week. Highlighting the severity of this year’s fire season, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu informed the National Assembly on Monday that roughly 14,500 hectares (35,800 acres) have already been destroyed, nearly three times the amount recorded by this time last year.
