France Wildfires Burn Twice as Much Land as Last Year

Wildfires have burned twice as much land in France this year compared to the same time last year, an official announced on July 10. The country is dealing with its third heat wave since May, and fires have been spreading across several regions for more than a week. Scientists say extreme weather events like these are happening more often because of climate change caused by human activity.

France's director-general of civil security, Julien Marion, said that more than 8,000 fires have broken out across the country so far this year. Together, those fires have burned more than 25,000 hectares of land — that is roughly equal to more than 35,700 football pitches. Marion said that number is about double what was recorded by the same date last year, which shows how much worse this fire season has become.

France's High Council for Climate, a group of experts who advise the government on climate issues, released a warning on July 9. The council said France's plans to deal with global warming are 'insufficient,' meaning they are not strong enough to protect the country. One expert, Valerie Masson-Delmotte, said, 'We are entering a dangerous zone,' and warned that France's roads, buildings, and land use were built for a climate that no longer exists.

The heat waves have already caused serious harm to people across France. More than 2,000 extra deaths were recorded during the June heat wave, and around 300 more happened during high temperatures in late May. These numbers come from official government records and show how deadly extreme heat can be, especially for older or sick people.

The French government is trying to help people who are most at risk from the heat. Officials said they would open 'cooling centres' — public places where people can go to stay cool — for groups like the elderly and the homeless. So far, only 6,000 of the 30,000 air conditioning units promised to hospitals have been delivered and installed, according to government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon.

France has more than 2,900 health facilities that need to be prepared for extreme heat. The national weather service, Meteo-France, says high temperatures will likely continue until July 14, which is Bastille Day — France's national holiday. Until then, authorities are urging people to stay safe, drink water, and check on their neighbors.