France evacuates 525 people as wildfire hits southwest pine woods

French authorities have evacuated 525 people as a new wildfire spreads through pine forests in the southwest. The fire began on Thursday and has razed 1,100 hectares, or 2,700 acres. Regional official Gilles Clavreul stated that the flames have reached within 2 km of the center of Luglon. Approximately 500 firefighters and six aircraft are currently working to contain the blaze, while roads to the north and south of the village remain closed.

The region has experienced heatwaves this summer, with temperatures expected to reach 36 degrees Celsius on Friday afternoon. The total area burned in southwestern France this year has already exceeded the previous record set in 2022. This current fire is located about 100 km southeast of Arcachon Bay, where wildfires in late July destroyed over 50,000 hectares and forced the evacuation of 220,000 people.

In a related development, French media reported the arrest of a 15 year old in connection with a July fire near Bordeaux airport that killed two firefighters. The youth allegedly sparked the fire by throwing away a cigarette butt. According to the French interior ministry, 474 people have been arrested on suspicion of starting fires this year, including 183 minors. The ministry previously noted that about 70 percent of those detained are suspected of arson.