Firefighters battling France's biggest forest fire in decades are on high alert ahead of a wave of extreme temperatures that could reignite flames in the south of the country.
A fire in France's Aude wine region has killed one person and quickly engulfed more than 62 square miles in three days, forcing hundreds to flee their homes in hot, dry weather.
Local authorities said vigilance was needed throughout the weekend as temperatures were expected to rise above 30C during a new heatwave.
Meanwhile, the fires have prompted evacuations in other parts of the Mediterranean region, with authorities ordering evacuations around the Greek capital and in northern Turkey, where sea traffic through the Dardanelles was also temporarily halted due to smoke.
In France, Aude department administrator Christian Pouget said 1,000 people were still unable to return to their homes after a fire swept through 15 communes in the mountainous Corbières region, destroying or damaging at least 36 houses.
One person died at home and at least 21 others, including 16 firefighters, were injured, according to local authorities.
According to the Aude prefecture, about 1,300 homes were still without power on Friday morning due to significant damage to infrastructure.
Residents have been warned against returning home without permission as many roads remain blocked and dangerous. Those forced to leave their homes have been placed in temporary shelters in 17 municipalities.
Many residents fled to the village of Touchan when the fire started Tuesday, Mayor Beatrice Bertrand told The Associated Press.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
