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Wildfires continue across Pyrénées as strong winds forecast
Several blazes broke out over weekend and are yet to be under control
A wildfire in the French Pyrénées is stable this morning but not yet under control, after burning 125 hectares of land over the weekend.
The blaze, which began on Saturday in the Aspe Valley (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), has continued to burn as strong winds and high temperatures in the area make conditions difficult for firefighters to tackle.
It broke out above Etsaut near the Pic d'Aygarry, more than 2,000 metres above sea level. The terrain is limiting access to the fire.
Firefighters are using several aircraft to tackle the fire, including an Australian Chinook helicopter loaned to French forces for the northern hemisphere wildfire season.
High temperatures are forecast today, although these should ease by the end of the week.
However, strong Mistral and Tramontane winds from Tuesday onwards may make conditions more difficult if the fire is not under control by then.
France’s wildfire season may continue throughout September despite a drop in temperatures.
While there is no precise end date for when fires may occur, state forecaster Météo France provides a wildfire risk map until the end of September.
Currently, several other fires are reported across France, including in nearby Erp (Ariège) and Puilaurens (Aude), the latter of which has burned around 225 hectares.
You can keep up to date with live fires on the feuxdeforet.fr website. The screenshot below shows fires across France as of 10:30 on Monday morning
