Wildfires are, tragically, the new norm in southern Europe in the summer months, but it’s no longer just Greece, Spain and Türkiye suffering the consequences of extreme temperatures and prolonged dry conditions.
A wildfire broke out in the Aude department of southern France and, in just 24 hours, has scorched an area one and a half times the size of Paris.
Authorities are working tirelessly to control the blaze, but this is obviously worrying news if you’re headed to the region on holiday, so we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about travelling to the south of France right now.
Recommended: Full list of holiday destinations with ‘red heat’ warnings due to Europe’s heatwave.
Where is the wildfire in France?
This blaze began in the village of Ribaute, near the Spanish border in the Aude department, but has since spread across the rural area of Corbières, which is famous for its mediaeval villages and vineyards. Overnight, an area the size of Paris has been scorched.
Is it safe to travel?
The wildfire has been described by French Prime Minister François Bayrou as ‘a catastrophe of unprecedented scale,’ and is the largest fire to burn in France in the last 70 years. The same amount of land burned in 24 hours typically gets destroyed over a whole year in France, according to the Guardian.
It’s been a fast-moving event, as dry conditions, continually high temperatures and strong winds have meant a quick spread of flames and difficulty getting them under control. Water has been dropped from planes, but the secretary general of the Aude Prefecture Lucie Roesch has said the ‘fire will keep us busy for several days’.
Residents of the village of Jonquières have been evacuated, as have lots of visitors who were staying on campsites in the Aude prefecture. Elsewhere, people have been asked to stay indoors and only leave if instructed to by the fire brigade. Tragically, one woman has died, and nine people, including several firefighters, have been injured so far.
‘I find it tragic to see so many fires since the beginning of the summer,’ said Aude Damesin, a resident of Febrezan, told Agence-France-Presse. ‘It’s terrible for the wildlife, the flora and for the people, who are losing everything.’
A wildfire broke out in the suburbs around France’s second city Marseille last month, injuring around 300 people. You can read about the Marseille fire here.
What’s the latest UK Foreign Office advice?
The FCDO’s travel advice page has a section on wildfires, which reads: ‘Wildfires can start anywhere in France during the summer months, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica. The French weather service has launched a fire alert map to help travellers stay up to date.’
‘Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. Causing a wildfire is illegal in France, even if it is started by accident. You could get a fine or a prison sentence.’
‘If you’re staying in, or near, a high-risk area see advice from the French government (in English) for information about: what to do if a wildfire breaks out; how to prevent wildfire outbreaks; protecting your home from wildfires (including mandatory bush clearance).’
‘If you are caught in, or witness, a wildfire, call the emergency services on 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services).’
Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel because of wildfires?
If you’re already in France and want to leave early, you might be able to with no extra charge, but this depends on your travel provider. However, cutting your trip short won’t mean that you get the rest of it refunded, so contact them directly to find out what can be done. The same goes for if you want to cancel before you travel.
Travellers who have been evacuated should also be able to seek reasonable compensation for their trip if the company they booked through does not proactively offer a refund or vouchers, according to the Package Travel Regulations.
Where else in Europe has been affected by wildfires and heatwaves?
Greece, Italy and Türkiye are just some of the other countries that have suffered from wildfires so far this summer, alongside southern Cyprus and Balkan countries such as Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Bulgaria. You can read all the latest information in our comprehensive guide.
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