In brief
A scorching heatwave has ignited a wildfire near Perpignan that scorched 4,600 hectares and left over 10,000 residents evacuated from the Pyrenees. The blaze threatens nearby Spanish countryside too, prompting the EU to dispatch aircraft for firefighting. Tour de France organisers halted crowds during the third stage to keep emergency crews clear, highlighting how extreme weather is reshaping summer sports. Climate experts warn this is part of a pattern of hotter, drier summers already claiming thousands of lives across Europe.
Wildfire in southern France forces evacuation of 10,000 people
A firefighter plane drops retardant over a raging blaze in the French Pyrenees, forcing more than 10,000 residents to flee their homes.
The fire, located in Trévillach near Perpignan, has burned at least 4,600 hectares and is spreading rapidly because of the summer heatwave that has left much of Europe scorched.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned that strong winds could fan the flames even more. Residents say the fire came just 300 metres from their houses.
Tour de France organisers have urged fans not to attend the final 40 kilometres of the third stage to keep the road clear for emergency vehicles, a rare move that shows how heat‑related risk is impacting sports events.
EU President Ursula von der Leyen declared that four aircraft from Cyprus and Sweden will aid firefighting efforts in France and Spain. Fire damage in Spain’s Les Gavarres reserve has already exceeded 2,200 hectares.
Climate scientists note that Europe’s winter‑time heat record set in June remains the country’s hottest period, and the current heatwave is expected to keep temperatures above 40ºC for weeks. The rise in extreme weather is a clear sign of rapid climate change.
For more reasons to stay cool, check out why Paris has tightened alcohol sales during the current heatwave.
