Vegetation fire in the south-west of France: 10,000 people from 20 towns and villages have been evacuated

A vegetation fire in southwestern France has led to the evacuation of 10,000 people from approximately 20 towns and villages near the border with Spain.

According to officials, strong winds forecasted for Monday will contribute to the spread of the fire, which has already affected about 4,600 hectares at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains.

The Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nunez, warned that conditions could deteriorate and announced the resumption of efforts against the flames. Heatwaves in May and June have dried out the land, making it vulnerable to fires.

On the Spanish side, the fire has burned 2,200 hectares, but Catalan authorities have stated that it is under control. Additionally, in the province of Castellon, 500 people have been evacuated due to another vegetation fire.