A wildfire raging in southwestern France has compelled the evacuation of over 10,000 residents from approximately two dozen towns and villages. Officials anticipate that strong winds on Monday could further exacerbate the blaze, which is burning near the Spanish border.
The European Union is mobilizing support, sending four waterbombing aircraft from Cyprus and Sweden to aid French firefighters in the Perpignan region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, “Europe stands with France.”
The fire has consumed an estimated 4,600 hectares in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, according to local prefect Pierre Regnault de la Mothe. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned on French television that conditions were deteriorating, stating, “Today the battle resumes.”
Recent early summer heatwaves across France and Western Europe in May and June have dried out vast areas of land, increasing wildfire vulnerability. The Trevillach blaze has injured five individuals, including a firefighter. Authorities have closed the route of the Tour de France's third stage to the public to ensure unimpeded access for emergency services. While the race will continue, the accompanying team vehicle motorcade will be minimized.
On the Spanish side of the border, a separate fire impacted 2,200 hectares, with 97% of the affected area being within the Les Gavarres protected natural zone. Catalan authorities reported late Saturday that this fire was stable and expected to be fully extinguished within the week. Police have arrested a company employee suspected of starting this wildfire with an angle grinder near a road.
Further south in Spain, in the eastern Castellon province, 500 people were evacuated after another wildfire penetrated the Sierra de Espadan national park, an area known for its cork oak forest.