Wildfire Prompts Evacuations on France's Mediterranean Coast Near Frejus
Wildfire Outbreak and Emergency Response
Rapid Spread and Evacuations
PARIS, July 19 (Reuters) - A wildfire swept through towns on France's Mediterranean coast near Frejus on Sunday, threatening homes and forcing the evacuation of several hamlets as strong winds and drought conditions fuelled its rapid spread, local authorities said.
Official Statements
"The fire spread extremely quickly in the context of this heatwave and extreme drought," local prefect Simon Babre told BFM TV.
Extent of the Damage
The blaze had scorched about 180 hectares (445 acres) by Sunday evening, the prefect's office said.
Impact on Local Communities
Visual Evidence and Disruption
Television images showed large flames advancing behind hillside villas typical of the French Riviera, while thick black smoke billowed above pine and cypress trees.
Transport Disruptions
Train services between the Mediterranean port of Toulon and Les Arcs were suspended because of the fire.
Context: Climate and Weather Conditions
Warnings from Meteorological Organizations
The World Meteorological Organization last month warned that the record temperatures that baked Western Europe for over a week in late June would worsen the risk of wildfires, given the outlook for sustained high temperatures, very low humidity and dry vegetation.
Temperature Records
According to the Reuters Climate Monitor, the average high in the town of Les Arcs, where the fire was raging, was forecast to be 38 degrees Celsius, which is 11.4 degrees above the normal high for July 19 between 1961 and 1990.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Manon Cruz; Writing by Michel Rose in ParisEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
