A blistering heatwave has gripped southwest France, sending thermometers soaring to an oppressive 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 Fahrenheit) in parts of Charente and Aude.
In Aude, a region of vineyards and Mediterranean scrubland, hundreds of firefighters remain on hillsides, guarding the edges of a massive blaze that scorched 16,000 hectares last week. Officials state the flames are under control, but warn the fire will not be fully extinguished for weeks, with hot spots still smouldering.
