The UK Foreign Office has warned people heading to France this summer as fires break out across the country killing multiple people and disrupting flights. This week a huge fire broke out near Bordeaux Airport in the south-west of the country in which two firefighters died, according to French media.
Travel Disruption and Safety Advice
The Foreign Office has said: "Disruption to flights is likely and some roads around the airport have been temporarily closed," due to the large fire. Along with the fire in Bordeaux, extreme heat has overwhelmed large parts of France since June that has reportedly claimed the lives of over 1000 people as well as causing widespread wildfires.
High-Risk Areas
The risk of wildfires is highest in popular tourist destinations in the south of the country, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, in Corsica, and in areas of the south-west during periods of hot, dry weather. This year, nearly 11,000 fires recorded an amount that President Emmanuel Macron says has not been seen since World War Two.
European Forest Fire Information System (Effis) data shows that more than 42,000 hectares of land burned in France between January and mid-July this year.
Official Guidance
The Foreign Office advises: "Check the French weather service’s fire alert map before travelling and monitor local authority advice during your stay. Conditions can change quickly and access to forests, countryside areas and tourist sites may be restricted at short notice."
Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. Causing a wildfire is illegal in France, even if it is started by accident. You could get a fine or a prison sentence.
"If you’re staying in, or near, a high-risk area see advice from the French government (in English) for information about what to do if a wildfire breaks out, how to prevent wildfire outbreaks, protecting your home from wildfires (including mandatory bush clearance)."
If you are caught in, or witness, a wildfire, call the emergency services on 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services).
