Wildfires in Gironde are intensifying as southwestern France prepares for a new spell of extreme heat. Fire crews are expecting temperatures to climb sharply on Wednesday, with conditions around 40C likely to make containment efforts more difficult.
The hotter, drier weather could help flames spread faster and put more pressure on firefighters already working to control the blazes. Officials are watching the situation closely as the heatwave threatens to worsen fire conditions across the region.
Bordeaux is not currently considered to be under direct threat, according to authorities. Even so, concern remains high because one of the fires burning on Monday was reported to have come within about 15km of the city.
The combination of active wildfires and another major heat spike has raised fears of a challenging period ahead in Gironde. Emergency services are focused on limiting the spread of the fires as temperatures rise.
