Firefighters in the southern French department of Var continued their efforts into Sunday evening to bring large wildfires under control. The flames spread further towards Les Arcs-sur-Argens due to strong winds, destroying several homes along the way.
More than 600 firefighters have been mobilised to tackle the fire, which has forced the evacuation of around 150 residents from two local communities. By late evening, the situation remained critical, with the blaze still not fully contained.
On the island of Corsica, emergency services are still battling two major wildfires sparked by lightning roughly a week ago. Near the village of Albertacce, the fire has continued to spread, devastating more than 320 hectares of countryside.
Moreover, firefighting efforts were particularly challenging due to the mountainous terrain and required the support of 160 firefighters, as well as aeroplanes and a helicopter to assist in the operation.
France is currently experiencing its third heatwave since the start of the year. While the south has been hardest hit, other regions have also suffered significant damage: in the forest of Fontainebleau, south of Paris, approximately 2,000 hectares have been lost to fire.
The wildfire crisis is not limited to France. In recent days, Portugal, Spain, and Greece have also reported significant forest fires. Experts warn that human-driven climate change is leading to more frequent and prolonged periods of heat and drought, which further increases the risk and severity of wildfires across Europe.
