Southern France battles fast-moving wildfires in scorching conditions

Large-scale wildfires continue to spread across southern France, where high temperatures and strong winds have significantly worsened conditions. The most severe damage has been reported in the Pyrénées-Orientales department.

According to BFMTV, around 930 hectares of forest were destroyed overnight in mountainous terrain near Trévillach. More than 580 firefighters are currently battling the blaze, but difficult terrain and weather conditions are accelerating the spread of the fire. No evacuations have been ordered so far, though authorities say the situation remains tense.

Meteorological services have warned that seven departments — Aude, Drôme, Gard, Hérault, Pyrénées-Orientales, Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhône — are under a “very high risk” of wildfires. The region is experiencing extreme heat of up to 38–40°C, along with strong winds.

Authorities noted that the wildfire season began about a month earlier than usual and has already led to major outbreaks. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed concern, stressing that the combination of heat, drought and wind could make the current season particularly severe.

By Jeyhun Aghazada