Thousands flee as wildfire forces Tour de France detour in southern France
📡 NRK (Norway) · 1 min read ·
Part of composite article Europe Sizzles: Record Heat and Wildfires Burn 67,000 Hectares, Kill 2,000+ View full article →
A fast-moving wildfire in southern France has forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. The blaze also disrupted the route of the Tour de France, the world’s most famous bicycle race.
Officials said the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry conditions. Evacuees described leaving with only their keys and locking the door behind them, with no time to save belongings.
The Tour de France organizers confirmed they had to alter the race’s planned path to avoid the danger zone. No injuries have been reported among riders or spectators.
Firefighters continue to battle the flames, while authorities warn that the situation remains unpredictable.