Wildfires are burning across southern France, prompting large-scale evacuations and ongoing firefighting efforts. Emergency services report that a major blaze in the Pyrenees-Orientales area is not yet fully contained, with about 12,000 people evacuated in the region, including evacuations affecting nearby communities and campsites near Perpignan. Other fires are also reported in southern France, including areas in the Drôme and on the island of Corsica.
Multiple outlets describe a wildfire near the Spanish border that spreads rapidly in conditions worsened by drought and strong winds. Officials say the fire has scorched about 4,600 hectares of forest in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. The evacuations include people from around two dozen small towns and villages. Reports also indicate that firefighting operations continue as authorities warn that wind could further fan the flames.
Overall, sources agree that the wildfires are active, substantial areas of forest have burned, and thousands of residents and visitors are being moved for safety while crews work to bring the fires under control.
