Firefighters battling wildfires in southern France with smoke and evacuations
Firefighters battling wildfires in southern France with smoke and evacuations
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Wildfires in southern France: more than 2000 firefighters deployed

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Several wildfires affected southern France on Thursday, particularly in the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales. Nearly 3000 people were evacuated in Canet-en-Roussillon.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Thursday in Marseille that climatic conditions have favored violent and premature forest fires. He noted that 7000 fire starts have been recorded since the start of the season, with 8700 hectares burned.

In the Aude, a fire has burned about 900 hectares near Pouzols-Minervois since Wednesday. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez is due to visit the area on Friday afternoon.

In Canet-en-Roussillon, a fire led to the evacuation of 3000 people from campsites and businesses. A yacht and a building of the company Catana were hit by flames. More than 200 firefighters were deployed on site, and the situation improved around 19:30 according to the prefect.

What people are saying

Initial reactions on X focus on evacuations of 3000 people from campsites in Canet-en-Roussillon and deployment of over 2000 firefighters amid strong winds. Posts from news outlets and meteo accounts share videos of flames reaching the port and burning boats. Political figures and users express support for victims and injured firefighters. Some note the impact of recent heatwave on multiple fires in southern France. A minority voice skepticism about national preparedness and aircraft availability.

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