PARIS — A large forest fire in southern France prompted the evacuation of several villages nearby by hundreds of firefighters supported by water-dropping aircrafts.
Bordezac, the village that started the fire, has seen thirteen firefighters get injured. France Info reports that 18 firefighters were injured in several forest fires that raged for days in the area.
Although the Gard fire service stated that the prospects for containing the fire were better Friday, the unfavorable weather conditions — heat, drought and strong winds — have made it difficult to do so. Other small fires were also extinguished.
According to the service, 880 hectares (2.100 acres) of fire have been set in flames at two sites. The fires were fought by more than 900 firefighters and 2 planes.
Villages were evacuated near the Bordezac Fire and roads were closed. Laurent Joseph, a high ranking official from the Bouches-duRhone region said that authorities expected to tackle the fire for “for many days.”
Fire threatens the Cevennes, a mountainous area partially protected by UNESCO World Heritage Sites that spans a large portion of southeast France.
Friday’s ban on entry to several forest areas in the region by the regional administration/prefecture was intended “to reduce the possibility of new fires starting”, while firefighters extinguish any that remain.
France’s National Meteorological Service placed several areas in neighboring France on red alert for fire risk Friday. France’s Environment Ministry also warned residents to be aware of fire dangers.
Other European countries have been affected by wildfires this summer, ranging from Portugal to Greece. Climate change is causing more drought and warmer temperatures, which makes it easier for fires to start or spread.
