The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for France as wildfires continue to blaze across southern Europe, affecting Spain, France, Portugal, and Greece. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, and authorities are urging people to enable emergency alerts on their mobile phones.
Evacuations and Disruptions in Southern France
In southern France, more than 10,000 people were evacuated from small towns and villages in the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border, according to the BBC. Spectators planning to attend the third stage of the Tour de France were advised to stay away on Monday to allow emergency vehicles easier access to affected areas.
Updated Foreign Office Guidance
On Tuesday, July 7, the Foreign Office revised its France travel guidance to warn Britons of a 'high risk' of fires across France during the coming months. The updated advice directs travellers to existing safety information on wildfires. The Foreign Office stated: 'There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page.'
The existing guidance notes that wildfires can occur anywhere in France during summer, especially along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica. It highlights that the French weather service has launched a fire alert map to help travellers stay informed. Fires have become more frequent due to drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. Causing a wildfire is illegal in France, even if accidental, and can result in fines or imprisonment.
What to Do in High-Risk Areas
The Foreign Office advises those staying in or near high-risk zones to consult French government guidance on preventing wildfires, protecting homes (including mandatory bush clearance), and what to do if a wildfire breaks out. In an emergency, call 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services).
