Over 200 firefighters battle blaze in southern France
A fast-moving wildfire was raging in southern France on Sunday, forcing evacuations as more than 200 firefighters raced to contain the blaze. The fire broke out at around 12.45pm in the Lozere region, about 140km (85 miles) northwest of Montpellier. Officials said it might have been sparked by a car catching fire on a local road. By late afternoon, the fire had burned some 90 hectares (220 acres)…
A violent wildfire engulfed southern France on Sunday, prompting rescues and prompting more than 200 firefighters to rush to the scene. The inferno ignited around 12:45pm in the Lozere region, approximately 85 miles northwest of Montpellier. Authorities speculate the fire may have started when a vehicle malfunctioned on a local road.
By the evening, the blaze had scorched about 220 acres and continued to fanned the flames. A team of 220 firefighters from Lozere and surrounding departments joined forces, reinforced by four Canadian water bombers and a Dash aircraft, with additional support expected. Local fire services emphasized that the situation remains uncontrolled.
Two hamlets in the municipality of La Tieule, directly in the fire's path, were evacuated around 5pm local time, displacing roughly 20 residents. "This area is heavily wooded and experiencing an unprecedented drought," stated Marc Toulouse, a senior fire officer in Lozere. Authorities advised residents against dialing emergency services to report the blaze, warning that such calls could overwhelm crews already battling the fire. Moreover, a road connecting La Tieule and Le Recoux was shut down.
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