Heatwave sweeps southern France, forcing 200 to evacuate due to wildfires

(CNA France, Upiya, July 1, Comprehensive Foreign News) French emergency services stated that a large-scale wildfire in southern France today forced approximately 200 residents to evacuate urgently.

According to AFP, affected by drought and strong winds, wildfires broke out in the Herault and Aude provinces of southern France, and authorities mobilized hundreds of firefighters to combat the blaze. Fueled by temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius and strong winds, the fire spread rapidly through dry, low-lying vegetation, covering 800 hectares by late July 1.

The wine region of Corbieres in southern France was also ravaged by wildfires last year, and most of Europe was recently swept by a heatwave, with another heatwave expected.

A local county official told AFP in the evening: "The fire was contained at times, but not entirely under control." Firefighters faced harsh conditions due to the rugged mountainous terrain and lack of access routes. Authorities have deployed water-dropping aircraft for aerial firefighting.

Officials stated that about 200 people were evacuated or sheltered; a 99-year-old woman who was evacuated said, "The smoke was suffocating, and the firefighters told us to leave."

Local firefighters reported that two smaller fires also occurred in Lancon-Provence and Rognac, near Marseille. (Intern Editor: Hong Yu-tong / Editor: Chen Yi-wei) 1150702

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