France wildfire forces evacuations in Lozere

A wildfire in France's southern Lozere region forced the evacuation of two hamlets in La Tieule on Sunday as around 220 firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

The fire broke out at about 12:45 p.m. in Lozere, about 140 kilometres northwest of Montpellier. By late afternoon it had burned about 90 hectares and was still spreading.

Local fire services said the situation was not under control. Firefighters from Lozere and neighbouring departments were supported by four Canadair water bombers and a Dash aircraft, with reinforcements expected.

Officials said the fire may have started after a vehicle caught fire on a local road. Two hamlets in the path of the flames were evacuated at about 5:00 p.m., affecting about 20 homes.

Marc Toulouse, a senior fire officer in Lozere, said the area has extensive woodland and was extremely dry. Local authorities closed a road between La Tieule and Le Recoux and urged residents not to call emergency services to report the blaze because crews could be overloaded.