Wildfires Force Evacuation of 3,000 People in Southern France

Nearly 3,000 people have been evacuated from southern France as fast-moving wildfires swept through parts of the Pyrenees-Orientales region following a record-breaking heatwave that struck the country last month.

The fires broke out on Thursday in the coastal town of Sainte-Marie-la-Mer before spreading to the nearby resort town of Canet-en-Roussillon, prompting emergency evacuations of residents and tourists.

According to regional authorities, about half of those evacuated were staying at three campsites located in the affected areas. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the flames.

More than 200 firefighters, supported by four water-bombing aircraft, were deployed to contain the wildfires. Regional Prefect Pierre Regnault de La Mothe said emergency services had mobilised a large network of volunteers to assist with firefighting and evacuation efforts.

France experienced an unprecedented 11-day heatwave in June, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country. The extreme weather significantly increased the risk of wildfires.

The World Meteorological Organization recently warned that prolonged heatwaves pose serious threats to public health, ecosystems, agriculture and infrastructure while also heightening wildfire risks.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said about 1,200 firefighters had been deployed nationwide since Wednesday to combat forest fires, noting that weather conditions remain highly unfavourable.

Although the national weather agency, Météo-France, has forecast another period of high temperatures next week, officials said it is not expected to reach the extreme levels recorded in June.

The latest wildfires have also intensified political debate over France's climate preparedness, with opposition lawmakers criticising the government's response to rising temperatures. The Green Party has submitted a motion of no confidence against the government, arguing that stronger measures are needed to address the growing impacts of climate change.

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