France firefighters battle 'monster' wildfire near Bordeaux

According to officials, a "monster" wildfire in southwest France is being fought by more than 1,000 firefighters and has already consumed about 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres) of woodland.

Several homes have been destroyed by the raging fire nearby Bordeaux, which has also compelled 10,000 locals to escape.

Gregory Allione, a firefighter spokesperson, told France's RTL Radio that "it's an ogre, it's a monster."

The firefighting effort is being hampered by strong winds and hot heat.

Several other European nations, including France, have experienced a wave of catastrophic wildfires this summer as a result of the continent-wide drought and high heat. 

In Portugal and Spain, the heat has been blamed for more than 1,000 fatalities.

In the UK, an amber extreme heat warning has now come into force, with temperatures forecast to hit 37C (99F) in some areas over the next four days.

The heatwave will likely affect health, transport, and working conditions, the authorities warn. The huge wildfire in France's Gironde region has been raging for two days near the commune of Landiras, about 30km (19 miles) southeast of Bordeaux. 

To support the ongoing operation, several firefighters had to be hastily redeployed from other areas.

Specialized aircraft that have been dropping water and flame retardant are supporting them.

Local authorities reported that the blaze remained out of control on Thursday, despite all their efforts.

French firefighter Jérôme Jean told the news outlet BFMTV, "It's the first fire we've witnessed.

According to reports, some locals had to save themselves on rooftops before the evacuation as the flames rushed toward their homes.

Later on Thursday, temperatures could rise as high as 39C.

The damage in the affected area will be examined by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin when they arrive.

Climate change increases the risk of the hot, dry weather that is likely to fuel wildfires.

The world has already warmed by about 1.2C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions.