Around 4,000 tourists are being evacuated from the French Atlantic coast as authorities warn of an increased risk of forest fires at the popular seaside resort of Lacanau.
The Bordeaux prefecture ordered the precautionary evacuation of campsites and holiday villages in Lacanau and Lacanau Océan on the morning of July 28, urging holidaymakers to take all of their belongings and follow the instructions of emergency services, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.
Authorities said the evacuation currently applies only to tourists staying at campsites and holiday accommodations, adding that residents of the town of Lacanau have not been ordered to leave.
Officials described the measure as a precaution in anticipation of worsening weather conditions.
Another heatwave is forecast to bring higher temperatures and lower humidity, increasing the risk of wildfire spread. Fire officials said hot weather and strong winds have complicated firefighting efforts, although the blaze has remained contained since the weekend and has not expanded further.
Thousands of emergency personnel remain deployed to extinguish the remaining pockets of fire and prevent the flames from reigniting.
By Sabina Mammadli
