France: Firefighters battle wildfires in southern France amid persistent heat and drought.

RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “FRENCH CIVIL SECURITY MILITARY BRIGADE" HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO —EDITORIAL USE ONLY— SHOTLIST: PONTEVES, FRANCE (JULY 24, 2026) (FRENCH CIVIL SECURITY MILITARY BRIGADE - RESTRICTED) 1. VARIOUS OF WILDFIRES/ FIREFIGHTERS CARRYING OUT FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS PONTEVES, FRANCE (JULY 24, 2026) - RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “FRENCH CIVIL SECURITY MILITARY BRIGADE" HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO —EDITORIAL USE ONLY—: Firefighters continued battling wildfires in the southern French commune of Ponteves on Friday, July 24, as drought conditions and high temperatures persisted across the country. More than 50,000 hectares have burned across France since the beginning of the year, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said, describing an ongoing wildfire in the southwestern Gironde department as the country's largest of the season. Around 40,000 people have been evacuated because of the blaze, he added. According to the minister, about 1,000 firefighters are deployed to battle the fire, supported by Civil Security personnel, military engineering units and helicopters. Nunez said around 80 homes have been damaged by the fire, including about 50 that were completely destroyed. France has faced several severe wildfire seasons in recent years. Climate scientists warn that rising global temperatures and prolonged dry spells are significantly increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires across southern Europe.