Fires in the French Pyrenees, 10,000 people evacuated

About 10,000 people have been evacuated in southwestern France due to a massive forest fire raging in the foothills of the Pyrenees. 4,600 hectares of forest were destroyed. The evacuation affected more than 20 settlements near the border with Spain.

Firefighters are unable to gain control of the fire. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said weather conditions had worsened further this morning. It was decided not to allow spectators onto the route of the Tour de France cycling race taking place nearby.

In Spain, 2,200 hectares burned, 97% of the affected areas are located in the Les Gavarres nature reserve. At the same time, Spanish authorities say that the situation is under control and the fire will be extinguished in the coming days.

By Editor