Approximately 1,200 people were evacuated from a campsite near a beach in northern France on Wednesday after two wildfires broke out in the Pas-de-Calais department, which borders the Strait of Dover, according to local officials.
Around 1,200 people evacuated from campsite as two wildfires burn near northern France beach
Approximately 1,200 people were evacuated from a campsite near a beach in northern France on Wednesday after two wildfires broke out in the Pas-de-Calais department, which borders the Strait of Dover, according to local officials.
The Pas-de-Calais prefecture said one of the two fires had been brought under control, while conditions were described as 'unfavourable' for the other. Access to the second fire was reported as difficult, and it was spreading southward without obstruction.
Evacuated campers were being moved to a shelter, according to the prefecture's statement.
France and the broader European continent have been experiencing an active wildfire season, which officials have linked to vegetation growth following a relatively wet winter that subsequently dried out during successive heatwaves.
French environment minister Monique Barbut said earlier on Wednesday that the heatwaves could result in as much as €15 billion, equivalent to approximately $17 billion, in direct and indirect costs.
- The total area burned by either fire is not specified.
- The number of firefighting personnel or resources deployed is not stated.
- The specific location of the campsite beyond the northern Pas-de-Calais coast is not identified.
- No timeline is given for when the fires started or when containment is expected.
Read the original at The Straits Times