Nearly 90 emergency responders have been injured while battling large-scale wildfires in France, as authorities continue efforts to contain what has become the largest wildfire in the country's history.
Some 84 firefighters and rescue workers were injured in the southwestern department of Gironde, while another five people were injured in the southeastern department of Hautes-Alpes, where firefighting operations have been underway for several days, French media reports.
The most severe situation remains in Gironde, where the blaze has burned approximately 42,000 hectares (104,000 acres), according to the latest figures released by the local prefecture.
French authorities have deployed around 2,500 firefighters to the region, including specialist crews from Switzerland, to combat the fire. They are being supported by 1,500 members of the French military and 1,200 police officers assisting with evacuations and maintaining security in affected areas.
Emergency services continue to work to contain the wildfire as difficult conditions hamper firefighting efforts. Authorities have not yet announced when residents will be able to return to evacuated areas.
By Sabina Mammadli
