France is preparing for its fourth major heatwave of the year, with soaring temperatures and tinder-dry conditions across the southwest piling pressure on crews battling a giant wildfire in the Bordeaux region.
Wildfire Efforts
Fire crews had contained the blaze overnight, but the situation remained difficult, according to Nathalie Delattre, Senator for Gironde, which covers the city of Bordeaux.
Authorities have evacuated about 220,000 people, including holidaymakers and local residents, as the area burned has already surpassed the previous record year of 2022.
The Landes area, southwest of Bordeaux, is covered by pine forests, which become highly flammable when dry. The fire has burned down 42,000 hectares so far.
Weather Forecast
Temperatures were set to increase in the region from the afternoon and peak at 37 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, according to the weather office Meteo France.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
