A major wildfire fueled by an intense heatwave in southern France has forced more than 10,000 residents living near the Spanish border to evacuate their homes.
French authorities said on Monday, July 6, that at least 16 people, including four firefighters, were injured in the blaze. Officials warned that strong winds continue to threaten further spread of the fire.
According to French authorities, the wildfire has burned approximately 4,600 hectares across the slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains.
The European Union has deployed assistance to help contain the fire, sending four firefighting aircraft from Cyprus and Sweden, along with more than 100 firefighters.
Experts say unusually early heatwaves in May and June have dried out vegetation, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires across large parts of Western Europe.
The World Meteorological Organization has also warned that Europe is warming at more than twice the global average rate.
Across the border in northeastern Spain, another wildfire has scorched more than 2,200 hectares of land, including a large section of the Les Gavarres Natural Park.
Local officials said the fire is now under control and is expected to be fully contained by the end of the week.
Portugal has also experienced hundreds of wildfires in recent days.
