200 firefighters battle Lozère wildfire, evacuees flee two hamlets

A wildfire in southern France forced the evacuation of two hamlets on Sunday as more than 200 firefighters battled flames that had scorched around 90 hectares in the Lozère region. Officials said the blaze, possibly sparked by a vehicle fire, remained out of control amid extremely dry conditions that have gripped much of the country this summer.

This is the latest in a series of wildfires across southern Europe, where prolonged heatwaves and drought have turned forests into tinderboxes. France has already seen over 400 wildfires this year, more than double the average for the same period. The current heatwave, which has seen temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in parts of the country, has dried out vegetation and increased the risk of ignition. The fire started near the village of La Canourgue, a rural area known for its rugged terrain and dense pine forests. Local authorities have warned that the dry spell shows no signs of easing, raising concerns about further outbreaks.

Firefighters from across the region have been deployed, using helicopters to drop water and firebreaks to contain the spread. No injuries have been reported so far, but two homes were damaged as the fire advanced through the hamlets of Saint-Jean and Saint-Sauveur. The blaze has also threatened livestock in the area, with farmers moving animals to safer ground. Météo-France, the national weather service, has issued red alerts for extreme heat in several departments, including Lozère, where temperatures are expected to remain dangerously high through the week.

The fire highlights the growing threat of wildfires in Europe as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and droughts. Last summer, France battled some of its worst wildfires in decades, with over 7,800 hectares burned in the Gironde region alone. As the current blaze continues to rage, authorities are urging residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders. With no immediate end to the heatwave in sight, the risk of further fires remains high, putting pressure on emergency services already stretched thin.