Neil Murphy

A fast‑spreading wildfire in the French Pyrenees has forced the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents as strong winds and an ongoing heatwave worsen conditions. The blaze near Trévillach has burned at least 4,600 hectares, prompting authorities to restrict access to nearby Tour de France routes to allow emergency operations. The EU is deploying firefighting aircraft, while neighbouring Spain continues to battle related fires. Temperatures across southwestern Europe are expected to reach 40C again, maintaining elevated wildfire risks amid broader climate‑driven warming trends.

A fast‑spreading wildfire in the French Pyrenees has forced the evacuation of more than 10,000 people amid an early summer heatwave affecting large parts of Europe. Authorities warn that strong winds could worsen conditions as thousands of hectares have already burned, with emergency services prioritising access by restricting attendance at the Tour de France’s third stage. The EU is deploying aircraft to assist France while neighbouring regions of Spain battle related fires. Persistent high temperatures and limited rainfall continue to heighten wildfire risks, underscoring the accelerating impact of climate change on Europe’s heatwaves and natural landscapes.