Almost 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres) of woodland have already been burnt by a “monster” wildfire in southwest France, according to officials.
A number of homes have been destroyed by the raging fire nearby Bordeaux, which has also compelled 10,000 locals to escape.
Gregory Allione, a firefighter spokesperson, told France’s RTL Radio that “it’s an ogre, it’s a monster.”
The firefighting effort is being hampered by strong winds and hot heat.
Austria, Germany, Greece, Poland, and Romania, according to President Emmanuel Macron, “are coming to aid” France in putting out the fire. He tweeted, “European solidarity at work!”
Several other European nations, including France, have experienced a wave of catastrophic wildfires this summer as a result of the continent-wide drought and high heat.
In Portugal and Spain, the heat has been blamed for more than 1,000 fatalities.
With temperatures expected to reach 37C (99F) in some regions over the next four days, the UK has now issued an amber extreme heat warning. The officials warn that the heatwave would likely have an impact on transportation, working conditions, and health.
About 30 kilometers (19 miles) south-east of Bordeaux, in the Gironde region of France, a sizable wildfire has been burning for the past two days close to the community of Landiras.
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In order to support the ongoing operation, a number of firefighters had to be hastily redeployed from other areas.
Specialized aircraft that have been dropping water and flame retardant are supporting them.
Local authorities reported that the blaze was remained out of control on Thursday, despite all their efforts.
French firefighter Jérôme Jean told the news outlet BFMTV, “It’s the first fire we’ve witnessed.
According to reports, some locals had to save themselves on rooftops before the evacuation as the flames rushed toward their homes.
According to BFMTV, all 2,000 of Belin-residents Béliet’s were forced to leave their homes on Wednesday, leaving the town in ruins.
Unlike many of their neighbors in nearby Hostens, Allisson Fayol and her father made the decision to remain at home for the time being.
According to Ms. Fayol, “There is still a lot of smoke, but for the time being it’s not coming this way.”
Later on Thursday, temperatures could rise as high as 39C.
Elisabeth Borne, the prime minister, and Gérald Darmanin, the interior minister, have arrived to survey the damage.
The likelihood of hot, dry weather, which is prone to start wildfires, is increasing due to climate change.
Since the start of the industrial period, the world has already warmed by around 1.2C, and temperatures will continue to rise unless governments drastically reduce emissions.
