France: Wildfire in Corsica rages on August 4 /update 1

Event

A wildfire, which erupted in Corsica’s Palneca (Corse-du-Sud department) on Wednesday, August 2, continues to rage on and has now propagated to San-Gavino-di-Fiumorbo (Haute-Corse department). Some 170 hectares have been destroyed in the past three days, as dry conditions, high temperatures, and rugged mountainous landscaped hamper firefighters’ efforts.

As of Friday, some 200 firefighters are on the ground battling the flames. They say the fire will not be contained for a few days, even if temperatures decrease as expected beginning Friday evening.

Meanwhile, a wildfire in the neighboring municipality of Apietto has been extinguished and another in Ocana has been brought under control.

Context

Southeastern departments of France as well as the island of Corsica have been on high alert for wildfires since mid-July 2017. Over 7000 hectares have been burnt and over 10,000 people have had to be evacuated.

Advice

Individuals are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas affected by the wildfires, to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and to keep abreast of the situation.