Forest fires in southern France forced evacuation of 10,000 people

In France's Pyrénées-Orientales department, nearly 10,000 people were forced to evacuate due to massive wildfires, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on France 2, Report informs.

The fire has engulfed at least 4,500 hectares.

"The fire has already burned just over 11,000 hectares, compared to 5,700 hectares during the same period last year. On Sunday, we were battling approximately 20 fires simultaneously," Nunez said, noting that he would be visiting the Pyrénées-Orientales this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Prefect Pierre Regnault de La Mothe noted that two people were seriously injured in the fire in the region.

"A firefighter and a local resident are currently in critical condition," he said.

Around 700 firefighters, 200 pieces of equipment, and nine aircraft are involved in extinguishing the fire. The fire is still not out.