Gironde wildfires pick up as French region braces for new 40C heatwave
Firefighters in France's Gironde region are struggling to contain wildfires as the area prepares for a fourth heatwave with temperatures reaching 40C. Residents and tourists in nearby Bordeaux are facing poor air quality and city-wide disruptions due to the smoke.
Why it matters
The increasing frequency of extreme heatwaves and wildfires highlights the growing impact of climate change on European infrastructure and public health.
Image source, Reuters By Laura Gozzi Published 5 minutes ago Firefighters in France are working around the clock to contain wildfires that have been raging in the Gironde region, while bracing for another sharp rise in temperatures.
"The fire is like David against Goliath," said Eric Brocardi, spokesman of the national firefighters' federation.
Four of his colleagues had died in recent weeks across France, he said, and 2,000 had been deployed in the Gironde to contain the flames, which for days have ravaged the countryside between the coastline and Bordeaux.
"Weather conditions were unfavourable," a local official warned, as this summer's fourth heatwave was expected to start by Wednesday, bringing temperatures in the area to 40C.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, "The fire is like David against Goliath," said the spokesman of the French firefighters' federation
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