Kathmandu— More than 500 people have been evacuated from the southwestern French department of Landes due to rapidly spreading wildfires that threaten nearby communities. The fires, which broke out on Thursday, had grown to approximately 1,100 hectares (2,700 acres) by Friday, prompting officials to expand the evacuation zone and deploy around 500 firefighters. France is currently experiencing a heatwave alongside several other European nations battling similar blazes, exacerbating fire risk and causing widespread disruption. Prefect Gilles Clavreul stated that the next fifteen hours would be critical in containing the flames.

Expanding Evacuation Zone

Prefect Gilles Clavreul ordered an expansion of the evacuation zone on Friday as the wildfire continued to spread, bringing the total number of evacuees to 525. This is up from approximately 400 people evacuated on Thursday when the fire initially broke out. The flames have reportedly advanced to within a few hundred meters of the community of Luglon, though no homes or property have been destroyed as of Friday.

Widespread Wildfires Across Europe

France is among several European countries currently grappling with wildfires amid an ongoing heatwave that has triggered health emergencies and disrupted power generation. Temperatures in Landes are forecast to reach around 36°C, increasing the potential for new flare-ups, warned fire chief Arnaud Fabre. The current wildfire season has already seen more land burned than during the entirety of the severe 2022 fire season.

Increased Fire Risk and Investigations

Landes is characterized by extensive pine forests, making it particularly susceptible to wildfires. Across France, approximately 120,000 hectares (nearly 300,000 acres) have burned so far this year. The French Interior Ministry reported that 420 individuals have been detained on suspicion of starting fires, either intentionally or through negligence.

Firefighters continue to battle the blaze in Landes, with officials closely monitoring its progression and assessing the risk to surrounding communities.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.