Newly released maps reveal the extensive scope of ongoing wildfires in the south-west region of France, prompting the evacuation of nearly 4,000 additional individuals from popular tourist destinations.
In the Gironde area, where the primary fire originated last week in a pine forest near Saumos village, approximately 260,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes. The latest evacuation directive encompasses various sites like campsites, holiday villages, and leisure parks surrounding Lacanau resort, as confirmed by regional authorities in Gironde.
The fires have severely impacted the Cap Ferret peninsula, scorching an area of 42,000 hectares, equivalent to four times the size of Paris. While the main blaze has been contained for now, officials cautioned that the situation could escalate again due to rising temperatures and declining humidity levels.
Meteorological experts from Météo-France predicted the onset of a new heatwave in France commencing today, with temperatures expected to soar across the country. Anticipated highs range from 32C to 35C in most regions, spiking to 37C in the south-west. Notably, cities like Nantes, Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse are forecasted to experience elevated temperatures.
Forecasts indicate a further increase in temperatures on Wednesday, with intense heat spreading throughout western France. Parts of the south-west may face scorching highs of 40C, while Paris, Lyon, and other areas are projected to reach significant temperatures.
A yellow heat warning has been issued for Gironde starting at midday on Tuesday, as the region braces for extreme heat conditions. French President Emmanuel Macron characterized the wildfire crisis as unprecedented, marking it as the most severe fire-related emergency in France since World War II.
According to the interior ministry, over 448 square miles of land have been engulfed by wildfires in France this year. The European Union’s Copernicus climate service highlighted that Europe is experiencing accelerated warming, exceeding the global average rate.
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