Nearly 3,000 people have been evacuated in south-western France as the country swelters through a record-breaking heatwave. The fire started at a campsite, destroying dozens of mobile homes before spreading to the marina area, where thick, toxic smoke blanketed the boats. The fire broke out in the town of Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and spread to Canet-en-Roussillon on Thursday.
Firefighting Efforts and Aerial Support
Hundreds of firefighters are battling the wildfires in the south, which are being fuelled by wind, drought, and heat. Aerial support includes a Dash 8-Q400MR Fireguard aircraft of the civil security, which drops retardant over the wildfire in Pouzols-Minervois. Canadair firefighting planes are also deployed to extinguish the flames.
Impact on Coastal Areas and Infrastructure
The flames engulfed yachts and campsites in Canet-en-Roussillon, forcing campers to evacuate the seaside resort. Smoke rose from buildings as bystanders looked on from a marina. In Pouzols-Minervois, the wildfire raged near houses and wind turbines, while a horse in a meadow was caught in the path of the fire.
Drought Conditions Worsen the Situation
The drought in the region has exacerbated the fire risk. In Grand-Auverne, Loire-Atlantique, firefighters worked to extinguish a fire near a farm as drought conditions worsened. The combination of dry vegetation, high temperatures, and strong winds has created a volatile environment for fire spread.
Record-Breaking Heatwave
The heatwave in France has set new temperature records, contributing to the severity of the wildfires. The extreme weather conditions are part of a broader pattern of climate crisis impacts across Europe, with multiple countries experiencing heatwaves and wildfires.
