France: 115,000 hectares burned this year; 220,000 evacuated as wildfires worsen
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 115,000 hectares have been scorched by wildfires so far this year, far more than any previous year. In the southwestern Gironde region, 220,000 people have been evacuated, and officials warn conditions could worsen as temperatures are expected to rise again on Tuesday.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced on Sunday that wildfires have burned 115,000 hectares across France since the beginning of the year—far exceeding anything seen in the past. The worst-hit area is the southwestern Gironde region, where 220,000 people have been evacuated so far.
Sophie Brocas, the region's top official, warned that the situation could deteriorate further as temperatures are forecast to rise again on Tuesday. The heatwave is expected to exacerbate the fire conditions.
Minister Nuñez described the scale of this year's fires as unprecedented, surpassing all previous records. The blazes have caused extensive damage to forests and infrastructure.
Emergency services continue to battle the flames, but forecasts suggest the coming days could bring even more challenges.
