ISTANBUL
A wildfire that broke out on Monday in the southern French department of Aude and burned 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) is still burning on Tuesday, while a second fire broke out near Marseille, according to the French media.
"It's an exceptional fire, 2,000 hectares covered, it's a very, very big fire. We have wind, a significant drought, and despite all the resources deployed – more than 1,000 firefighters, more than 7 Canadairs (firefighting aircraft) – the fire isn’t going out so easily," Aude Prefect Christian Pouget told broadcaster TF1 Info on Tuesday.
Pouget also urged residents to stay indoors.
The Aude prefect announced on X that five firefighters have been "very slightly injured" and five civilians, including a child, have been taken into care so far.
Weather service Meteo-France has put three other departments in southern France on red alert for Tuesday, pointing to a "very high danger along the Mediterranean coast," as strong winds and high temperatures are expected.
It said weakening winds on Wednesday would decrease the danger of fire, although it is still expected to remain high.
The fire that erupted on Monday is the third in a week in Aude, as Europe faced an intense early summer heat wave last week.
A second fire erupted in the Mediterranean Bouches-du-Rhone department and burned 30 hectares in two hours.
As the fire reportedly reached the city of Marseille, evacuations are underway in certain areas and residents are urged to stay indoors.
"Conditions on the ground are unfavorable, the speed of the fire is spreading very quickly," firefighters told daily Le Figaro.
Reportedly, all flights have been completely suspended at Marseille airport.