Firefighters ready for forest blazes

EMERGENCY services and Canadair water planes are on standby for forest fires across Aquitaine.

The current spell of hot, dry and windy weather means conditions are ideal for ‘severe fires’ and every department in the region has been placed on alert.

Authorities are asking all those passing through forests in the region to take extreme care: no smoking, or throwing away cigarette ends, matches or anything vaguely flammable and no burning of rubbish or vegetation.

People are also advised to limit the amount of driving they do in the area.

Two Canadair aircraft are on standby at the airport in Mérignac where they will stay until the severe fire alert is lifted.