Around 12,000 people evacuated in France fires
Wildfires in south-west France have led to the evacuation of 12,000 people, while Italy mourns the death of a firefighter killed in the line of duty. Authorities in both countries are struggling with the scale of the fires, some of which have been attributed to human causes.
Why it matters
The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in Europe highlight the growing environmental and public safety challenges posed by climate change.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A resident looks at the approaching wildfire in Le Porge, south-west France
Around 12,000 people have been evacuated from the south-west of France as the country battles ongoing wildfires days after two firefighters died near Bordeaux airport, French media reported.
The Gironde region government said more than 2,000 hectares (4,000 acres) of land have been destroyed.
The use of internal combustion and electric engines have been banned in predominantly forested areas, and a number of roads have been closed. No injuries have been reported on Thursday.
Meanwhile in Italy, authorities have paid tribute to a firefighter who died tackling a wildfire in San Cataldo, as Sicily President Renato Schifani wished a "speedy recovery" to another involved in the same operation.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi paid tribute to late firefighter Alessandro Marchi who he said died "in service to the community".
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