More than 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of land have been consumed by multiple wildfires across southern France as hundreds of firefighters battled the blazes on Thursday amid strong winds and dry conditions. The largest fire, which ignited in the commune of Pouzols-Minervois in the Herault department and spread into neighboring Aude, has burned over 800 hectares, according to French news broadcaster BFMTV. The blaze was brought under control by Thursday morning, but firefighters warned that active fire fronts remained due to persistent winds. Approximately 350 residents were evacuated as a precaution. Authorities confirmed that no homes were damaged, though some vineyards were partially destroyed.
Additional Blazes in Bouches-du-Rhone
Two other major wildfires burned north of Marseille in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. A fire in Rognac was contained overnight after scorching about 50 hectares. Five homes were evacuated, while two warehouses, a public works company building, several vehicles, and an outbuilding sustained damage. No injuries were reported. Nearby, firefighters continued battling a blaze in Lancon-Provence, where approximately 200 hectares have burned.
Transport Disruptions and Evacuations
The wildfires also disrupted transport, with regional TER rail services between Marseille and Miramas suspended Thursday morning after flames approached railway tracks. In the Var department, a wildfire in Frejus was contained late Wednesday after burning through vegetation and prompting the evacuation of about 2,200 people from six campsites.
High Alert and Early Season Fires
French authorities placed six Mediterranean departments under the highest red alert for a "very high" wildfire risk on Thursday. Firefighters' spokesperson Eric Brocardi warned that wildfires are occurring increasingly earlier in the year. "It's a reality, it's a certainty. Today we see it, it's an extremely complicated period for firefighters," he told RTL, noting that the fires are erupting before the peak summer holiday season, making it more difficult to mobilise volunteer firefighters. Strong Mistral and Tramontane winds, with gusts reaching up to 90 kilometers (56 miles) per hour in parts of southern France, continued to complicate firefighting operations.
