Corsica wildfire 'stopped in tracks'

A wildfire on Corsica that has destroyed 2,200 hectares in just 24 hours has been brought under control.

The prefect of Haute-Corse, Gerard Gavory, told journalists: "The fire is not progressing any more, it's good news."

He said that there have been no reported casualties and no houses have been destroyed.

A total 150 firefighters and 40 police officers at the site of the fire near Ville-di-Paraso. The flames spread in the direction of the villages of Novella and Palasca.

Their efforts have not been helped by adverse weather. Strong winds, with gusts of up to 160kph recorded, helped fan the flames, while the conditions meant air support from Canadair planes and airborne spotter craft was sporadic during Sunday and unavailable after dark.

Two Canadair planes were due to start operations again at first light.

A total of 27 new fires were recorded on the island on Sunday, despite a ban on all outdoor fires, including barbecues and campfires.