4,000 hectares destroyed by wildfires

More than 2,000 firefighters are battling to contain a series of Mistral-whipped wildfires in southeastern areas of France that have reduced 4,000 hectares of land to ashes.

At least eight have been injured as they fought to protect homes from encroaching flames driven by 90kph winds in the Var and Vaucluse departments, as well as the town of Carros, north of Nice, and northern Corsica.

For the past two days, fire officers have been battling to control the bushfires - and many are now under control or have been stopped in their tracks. But several, including fires at La Croix-Valmer and Saint-Maximin remain active, officials say.

Read more: Hundreds evacuated as wildfires threaten homes

Authorities believe that several of the fires, including the one at Carros - which destroyed a three vehicles and a warehouse, and prompted the evacuation of a number of homes before being brought under control - were started deliberately. One person has been arrested on the island of Corsica on suspicion of arson following a blaze that destroyed 20 hectares of scrub.

The Fédération nationale des sapeurs-pompiers union has called for reinforcements to relieve exhausted firefighters.

Meanwhile, 15 police officers have been treated for the effects of smoke inhalation as they provided support to firefighters, near Ramatuelle, not far from Saint-Tropez.

More homes had to be evacuated at La Bastidasse in Seillons-Source-d'Argens before that fire, which started on Monday evening at Artigues and destroyed up to 300 hectares of land was brought under control.

Fire authorities say that officers will remain on alert for a second consecutive night.