The UK's Foreign Office has issued an urgent update for holidaymakers looking to travel to France in the near future.
It comes after a heatwave which saw the French country record its earliest 40C in the year on record
Extended drought conditions in several European countries and high fuel costs for aircraft needed to fight wildfires have heightened concerns over wildfires across the continent this summer
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Because of the ongoing situation, the UK's Foreign Office has issued an important update for people travelling to France.
In the warning they said: "There is currently a heightened risk of forest fires in many areas of France. You should familiarise yourselves with local emergency procedures and restrictions in place. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. Access to some areas such as natural parks and nature reserves may be limited or closed as a result. You should follow the instructions of local authorities and call 112 if you need emergency assistance."
They add that if you need urgent consular assistance you should call +33 1 44 51 31 00.
Explained in their 'natural disasters' section, they continued: "Forest fires can occur anywhere in southern France during the summer months but especially along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica. In recent years, fires have become more frequent due to drought and high temperatures.
"French Authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. If you’re staying in a high-risk area you should familiarise yourself with the local safety and emergency procedures, be vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. Information on how to stay safe is available on the French Government website. If you are caught in, or witness, a wild fire, call the emergency services on 18 or 112.
"There can be risks of flooding in various areas of France, and avalanches in the mountainous areas. If your accommodation is near a river, check the vigicrues website to be kept informed of any potential flood risks. If you plan a skiing or hiking trip, check weather conditions and follow local advice before going."
Where are the fires in France?
You can keep an eye on them here. According to the website, "as of 24 July, France is facing a severe forest fire situation (southern mainland and Corsica). The three main fires are located in Corsica (730 ha), in the department of Alpes-Maritimes (70 ha) and in the region of Luberon (635 ha). On 25 July, more than 3000 ha have burned. The fire danger is very high for the coming days until 28 July."
What has Emmanuel Macron said about the fires in France?
Discussing the fires, French President Emmanuel Macron said that people were working to "control the wildfires across the country" as well as paying tribute to Commander Pascal Allaire and Lieutenant Martial Morin.
On Instagram and translated into English by the social media app, he wrote: "Over 10,000 firefighters and civil safety personnel are mobilized to fight wildfires across the country. With courage and determination, they stand. These firefighters are our heroes. I have a special thought for Commander Pascal Allaire and Lieutenant Martial Morin, who died this summer in response to flames, as well as for their families.
"Our pain is immense. The nation stands with all our wounded firefighters. Expectation and concern for those evacuating from the fire areas. For the affected inhabitants, it's sometimes a life that fades away. Save all lives, save all that can be, then rebuild: no one will be forgotten."
You can keep up-to-date with the Foreign Office's latest travel advice here.
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