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As heat and dry conditions fan wildfires in France, volunteers fan out to help
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Wildfires in southwestern France have devastated 42,000 hectares west of Bordeaux, forcing nearly 250,000 people to evacuate, with many now allowed to return as conditions stabilize but hotspots remain.
- Volunteers like Jean-François Pauner are assisting firefighters by monitoring flare-ups and helping extinguish underground fires fueled by prolonged drought and climate change.
- Authorities have arrested 308 people, including over 120 minors, in connection with the blazes, which may have been caused by deliberate acts or negligence.
- Across Europe, wildfires continue to pose threats, with significant fires near a nuclear power station in England and deadly blazes in Greece, where strong winds and difficult conditions hamper firefighting efforts.
- International assistance is being provided, including Ukraine sending civil security personnel and vehicles to support France’s firefighting operations.
