Wildfires have swept through various parts of Europe this week, impacting areas in Spain, France, Portugal, and Greece. Evacuations have been carried out, prompting both locals and tourists to ensure their phones are capable of receiving emergency alerts.
In southern France, more than 10,000 individuals were evacuated from small towns and villages in the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border. Spectators planning to attend the third stage of the Tour de France were advised to refrain from doing so on Monday to facilitate access for emergency vehicles in the region.
The Foreign Office recently updated its travel advice for France on July 7, highlighting the ‘high risk’ of fires in the country throughout the upcoming months. The advisory directs Brits to existing recommendations on how to act if staying in or near a high-risk area.
The Foreign Office’s updated guidance underscores the constant presence of wildfire risk advice within its directives. The latest update serves to remind British citizens of the available advice and where to locate it.
As of now, the guidance on wildfires in France emphasizes that fires can originate anywhere in the country during the summer season, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica. The French meteorological service has introduced a fire alert map to keep travelers informed on the situation.
Increasingly dry conditions and high temperatures have led to more frequent fires in France. Authorities may evacuate regions and close roads for safety. Starting a wildfire is against the law in France, even if accidental, and offenders may face fines or imprisonment.
For those in or near high-risk areas, the French government provides information in English on what to do in case of a fire outbreak. In the event of witnessing or being caught in a wildfire, individuals are advised to contact emergency services at 18 for fire emergencies or 112 for general emergency services.
