Wildfire in southern France forces evacuation of 10,000 people
A wildfire has forced the evacuation of thousands of people in southern France as the country grapples with the impacts of an early summer heatwave that scorched much of Europe.
More than 10,000 residents were ordered to leave a dozen small towns and villages in the foothills of the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border.
The fire—burning at least 4,600 hectares—was declared in Trévillach near Perpignan, with local prefect Pierre Regnault de la Mothe posting updates on X.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez cautioned that "this morning conditions are deteriorating again" and that the battle resumes today, as strong winds could further fan the blaze.
One local resident, Patrice, said the fire "came within 300 metres of the houses" and "was shocking and fast‑moving."
The blaze threatened the finish of Monday’s Tour de France third stage, prompting organisers to ask spectators to stay away from the final 40 km and limit motorcade traffic.
EU President Ursula von der Leyen announced four aircraft from Cyprus and Sweden would be dispatched to assist firefighting efforts.
Adjacent Spain recorded over 2,200 hectares burned in the Les Gavarres reserve, and 500 people were evacuated from the Sierra de Espadan national park in eastern Castellón.
Temperatures could again reach 40 °C in south‑west France this week, with heat already exceeding 40 °C in parts of Portugal and Spain, raising the risk of further wildfires.
Pulskin is asking readers who have been evacuated to share their experiences here.
