Firefighters in southern France are battling a forest fire after a heatwave
Kyiv • UNN
In the Aude department in southern France, firefighters are trying to bring under control a forest fire that is being complicated by strong winds. Another fire in the Lanson area has been brought under control.
In the Aude department in southern France, firefighters are trying to bring a forest fire under control. The situation is complicated by strong winds, which could help spread the fire. This is reported by Reuters, writes UNN.
Details
According to the local administration of the Aude department, located near the border with Spain, weather conditions remain unfavorable. In particular, strong winds could fan the flames and complicate firefighters' work.
During the night into Wednesday, the wind spread the smell of smoke across the region, including to Marseille airport. According to a Reuters witness, pilots of at least one flight landing assured passengers that the smell of smoke was not coming from the aircraft.
At the same time, another forest fire in the Lançon area in southern France was brought under control, the local fire service reported.
Context
France continues to grapple with the aftermath of the recent heatwave in Europe. The country's meteorological service warned that as early as next week, France could be hit by a new period of extreme heat.
Health authorities estimate that the previous heatwave may have caused around 1,000 excess deaths in the country amid record temperatures.
Recall
The WHO warns that the current heatwave in Europe is just a "dress rehearsal." Future summers in Europe will be even more severe due to record high temperatures.