French authorities confirm decline in intensity of pine forest fire west of Bordeaux

Paris, July 27 (KUNA) -- French authorities announced on Wednesday that the intensity of the wildfire that broke out west of Bordeaux and has consumed 42,000 hectares of pine forests and destroyed 240 homes since last Wednesday has decreased following light rainfall overnight, although it has not yet been brought under control. Local media quoted authorities confirming that the fires have displaced approximately 220,000 people, including tourists and local residents, during the peak of the summer holiday season, and have destroyed around 240 homes. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated earlier that the fire in Gironde had “stabilized” but had “not been fully extinguished,” as it had not spread overnight. Nunez added that the situation was improving but remained “critical,” with about 1,500 firefighters, 18 aerial support helicopters, and 1,500 soldiers still deployed at the site. Meanwhile, regional fire official Wilfried Schneider said that the number of active fire fronts today was lower than the previous day due to reduced wind speeds, but it was too early to declare the fire stabilized, adding, “We still do not have control over the fire.” For his part, the French Presidential Office announced that President Emmanuel Macron would visit the area severely affected by the wildfires in southwestern France today to offer support to firefighters and local officials. France has experienced three heatwaves since May as part of a growing series of extreme weather events linked to climate change in Europe, which have caused fatalities, lowered river water levels, and sparked wildfires. (End) M.B. / M.A.A.