- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Firefighters Use Planes to Battle Firestorms Raging in Southwest France

© Flickr / Dru!Pine forest after forest fire
Pine forest after forest fire - Sputnik International
Subscribe
A wildfire spreading on the western outskirts of Bordeaux, in the south-western part of France, was advancing Sunday despite the increased efforts of firefighters.

Seven firefighting planes were used to help stop the raging firestorm, the worst in years for France, according to AFP reporting. More than 650 firemen along other servicemen across the country have been called in.

Meanwhile, about 600 people has been evacuated from the Bordeaux suburb of Pessac and the village Saint-Jean-d’Illac as a precaution, according to the local authorities.

The wildfire which emerged Friday afternoon in a pine forest on the western edges of the city of Bordeaux has been advancing due to strong 50 km (30 miles) per hour winds. It has consumed at least 550 hectares (1,360 acres) of forest and has been advancing on Sunday despite the redoubled efforts, according to a local police official, as cited by AFP.

Large areas of France are experiencing droughts these days. The renowned Bordeaux vineyards in the Aquitaine region are located mainly to the north and east of the city and have not been affected.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала