The Foreign Office’s latest France travel advice has been updated with more information for Brits as wildfires have been raging across Europe and seen thousands evacuated from high risk areas
This photograph shows a wildfire raging near houses in Pouzols-Minervois on July 2(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Wildfires have been raging across parts of Europe this week, affecting destinations including Spain, France, Portugal and Greece. Thousands have been evacuated as a result, with locals and tourists also being urged to ensure their phones can receive emergency alerts.
In southern France, over 10,000 people were evacuated from small towns and villages in the French Pyrenees, near the border with Spain, reports the BBC.
Meanwhile, spectators heading to watch the third stage of the Tour de France were urged to stay away on Monday, to make access easier for emergency vehicles in the area.
Following the wildfires, on Tuesday (July 7), the Foreign Office updated its France travel advice to warn Brits of the ‘high risk’ of fires in France over the coming months, and point to the existing advice it has on what to do if you’re staying in or near a high-risk area.
The updated advice warns: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page.”
The Foreign Office already had existing advice about the risk of wildfires in France, which always sits within its guidance. The latest update just reminds Brits that the advice exists, and where to find it.
At the time of writing, the guidance on wildfires in France reads: “Wildfires can start anywhere in France during the summer months, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica.
“The French weather service has launched a fire alert map to help travellers stay up to date.
“Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. Causing a wildfire is illegal in France, even if it is started by accident. You could get a fine or a prison sentence.
“If you’re staying in, or near, a high-risk area see advice from the French government (in English) for information about:
- what to do if a wildfire breaks out
- how to prevent wildfire outbreaks
- protecting your home from wildfires (including mandatory bush clearance)
“If you are caught in, or witness, a wildfire, call the emergency services on 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services).”