August 15th 2023.
The Pyrenees-Orientales region of France recently experienced a devastating wildfire that forced the evacuation of more than 3,000 tourists. The blaze broke out on Monday afternoon at 5pm and spread rapidly due to the extreme weather conditions and strong winds of up to 180km/hr.
The fire caused extensive destruction, with up to 30 homes and several cars destroyed, as well as a campsite in the commune of Saint-Andre. Video footage showed families quickly leaving the area, with children screaming as the flames came dangerously close. Roussillon Bernadette Michalak Guimbert, the deputy mayor of Argeles-sur-Mer, said that some of the evacuees arrived in the town hall 'in swimsuits' as they had been at the beach or on a walk when the fire broke out.
The fire has now been contained, but the Albères area remains on red alert for fire risk. Around 450 firefighters were sent to battle the blaze, with 17 sustaining light injuries and one admitted to hospital after a fall. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities.
The Pyrenees-Orientales region has been particularly affected by the drought this year, and wildfires have also hit many other areas of southern Europe, such as Italy, Greece, Algeria and Tunisia. Several roads remain closed and the train service from Perpignan to the Spanish border was suspended for several hours, but the situation is now under control.
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