The Pyrénées-Orientales department in France has been placed under a red alert by Météo-France due to a persistent drought and heightened risk of wildfires.

This marks the first time this level of alert has been issued in France this summer.

The region is experiencing strong southern winds with gusts up to 70 km/h and temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, creating conditions ripe for fires.

Recently, 3,000 vacationers were evacuated from a campsite in Canet-en-Roussillon due to a fire, which was later controlled by firefighters.

The fire, fueled by winds reaching 80 km/h, destroyed a mobile home and damaged several others.

Meanwhile, in the Hérault department, a significant fire has ravaged 350 hectares of pine forest, with firefighters working tirelessly to contain it.

Authorities emphasize that nine out of ten fires are human-caused, urging the public to exercise caution.