Wildfires have been tearing through swathes of Europe this week, with destinations including Spain, France, Portugal and Greece all affected. Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate, while locals and visitors alike are being urged to ensure their mobile phones are set up to receive emergency alerts.
In southern France, more than 10,000 people were evacuated from small towns and villages in the French Pyrenees, close to the Spanish border, according to the BBC.
Meanwhile, spectators planning to attend the third stage of the Tour de France were advised to stay away on Monday, in order to allow emergency vehicles easier access to the affected areas.
In the wake of the wildfires, on Tuesday (July 7), the Foreign Office updated its France travel guidance to caution Britons about the ‘high risk’ of fires across France in the coming months, directing them to its existing advice on what to do if staying in or near a high-risk zone.
The updated guidance warns: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page.”
The Foreign Office had already published advice regarding the threat of wildfires in France within its existing guidance. The latest revision simply reminds Britons that this advice is available and signposts where it can be found.
At the time of writing, the guidance on wildfires in France states: “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).”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
