It could be said that fires are quickly becoming an integral part of summer holidays. Heatwave-induced fire outbreaks have already led to the evacuation of tourists from Greece and Portugal, among others.

The newest country struggling with wildfires is France. Tourists staying in the Eastern Pyrenees region were evacuated as fires have destroyed not only houses but also campsites. Unfortunately, we probably have to get used to such "holiday attractions".

A dangerous fire broke out near the border between Spain and France in Pyrénées-Orientales region, between Saint-André and Argelès-sur-Mer. The rapid spread of fire was attributed to "intense heat, dryness and tumultuous winds of up to 180km/h", authorities said.

More than 600 firefighters battled the flames and 17 of them suffered minor injuries. More than 3,000 tourists were evacuated in total, Independent reports.

The deputy mayor in Argelès admitted that the fire really caught them by surprise. Tourists were said to have arrived at the municipal offices dressed in swimwear, as the fire broke out as they were returning from the beach. Children were also said to be among those fleeing the flames.

The fire in France was successfully extinguished on Tuesday 15 August. In total, the fire consumed 500 hectares of land and damaged or destroyed 30 houses, a campsite and a warehouse. Fortunately, neither tourists nor residents were injured. Pictures from the affected region show charred campsites and burned trees.

Following the incidents, the French minister of ecological transition, quoted by the Guardian, pointed out that "drought and fire are two sides of the same coin: climate change". The climate crisis is undoubtedly making us increasingly report of such tragic events.

Unfortunately, we should probably slowly get used to the fact that summer holidays may involve fire hazards and will no longer be as carefree as they once were.

Source: The Guardian, Independent