Wildfires scorch southern France, evacuations underway

Wildfires are currently devastating large areas of southern France, exacerbated by weeks of dry weather and record high temperatures. As of Thursday, July 2, 2026, extensive blazes are consuming the Aude and Herault regions, requiring the deployment of up to 800 firefighters and 150 vehicles to combat flames that have already spread over 900 hectares.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu reported that approximately 7,000 fires have ignited since the start of the summer season, resulting in the burning of about 8,700 hectares. The situation is described as tense, with four water-bomber aircraft supporting the efforts in the Aude region, where firefighters are working rapidly to control the fires before temperatures and winds intensify.

Further south, in the seaside resort of Canet-en-Roussillon, spreading wildfires prompted the evacuation of 1,500 people from three campsites. Flames have destroyed hundreds of mobile homes, and firefighters are engaged in a fierce struggle to prevent further spread into an industrial zone. The region anticipates continued high temperatures and drought conditions with no rain forecast.