Around 1,400 firefighters were deployed in France’s southern Aude region to prevent the country’s biggest wildfire in decades from reigniting as residents were allowed to return to their homes.
Aude department prefect Christian Pouget said the fire was contained on Thursday, although more than 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) have burned this week in the forested region known for its wineries.
All roads have reopened, but authorities have imposed a strict ban on access to the forest, Mr. Pouget told a news conference on Saturday.
“The fight continues, firefighters are still working on reigniting the fire,” he said.
The fire killed one person and injured 25 others, including 19 firefighters, Mr. Pouget said.
High temperatures are expected to make firefighters’ jobs more difficult in the coming days.
“The fire will not be extinguished for several weeks,” said Colonel Christophe Magny, director of the Oda fire department, pointing to several hot spots under close surveillance.
France’s national weather agency Meteo France has issued a “high alert” for the south of France due to a heatwave, with temperatures of up to 39°C expected in the Aude department on Saturday.
In neighbouring Spain, firefighters continue to battle a forest fire in Avila province, more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of Madrid.
Victor Fernandez, a technical specialist at the forward command post, told reporters on Saturday that the fire had been contained but warned that the coming hours would be “critical.”
Extreme temperatures are expected to continue until at least next week, according to Spain’s national meteorological service.
The fire started on Friday afternoon and Spain’s military emergency unit worked overnight to bring it under control and prevent it from spreading to roads and railway lines.
There have been several major fires in southern Europe this summer.
Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves and droughts, making the region more vulnerable to wildfires.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie