By Zainab Bakare
More than 12,000 people have been evacuated from southwest France as fast-moving wildfires continue to spread across the Gironde region, destroying over 2,000 hectares of land.
French authorities said about 10,000 tourists were among those evacuated as firefighters battled the blaze. The region remains on the highest wildfire alert, with several roads closed and access to forest areas restricted.
Officials have also banned the use of internal combustion and electric engines in forested zones to reduce the risk of new fires. No injuries were reported on Thursday.
The latest evacuations come just days after two French firefighters died while responding to separate wildfire emergencies. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez paid tribute to the victims, expressing support for their families.
In Italy, authorities are mourning firefighter Alessandro Marchi, who died while battling a wildfire in Sicily. Another firefighter was injured during the operation.
Sicily’s Civil Protection Agency said more than 350 fires, including ten major outbreaks, have been recorded on the island, forcing precautionary evacuations. Officials believe most of the fires were caused by human activity.
Spain is also battling wildfires, with emergency crews continuing efforts to contain a blaze near Madrid. While many evacuated residents have returned home, authorities have warned that the risk of new fires remains extremely high as temperatures are expected to reach 36°C.
Europe has experienced prolonged heatwaves this summer, increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Climate experts say the continent is warming faster than any other region, contributing to longer and more destructive fire seasons.
