A wildfire raging across France's southern Pyrénées-Orientales region has prompted authorities to evacuate 10,000 residents overnight.

The fast-moving blaze, located near the Spanish border, has spread rapidly through dry scrubland and forests since Monday evening, threatening several villages and tourist areas. Organisers of the Tour de France, which is passing through the region this week, have banned spectators from attending stage three as a direct result of the fire.

High winds and soaring temperatures have fuelled the inferno, pushing flames across multiple communes with significant speed. The exact cause of the fire, which started in a forested area, has not yet been determined by local officials.

Residents from coastal towns and inland villages were ordered to leave their homes with little notice as smoke plumes darkened the sky across the region. Many evacuees sought refuge in emergency shelters set up in neighbouring communities, while others made their way to friends and family further afield.

wildfire smoke forest pyrénées orientales

Hundreds of firefighters, supported by aerial water-bombing planes and helicopters, are battling the blaze in challenging conditions. The prefecture of the Pyrénées-Orientales department declared a state of emergency, mobilising additional resources from across the country.

Tour de France Stage Disrupted

The decision by Tour de France organisers to close stage three to spectators underscores the immediate danger posed by the fire. The iconic cycling race is a major event for the region, drawing thousands of visitors and considerable local revenue.

Emergency services continue to monitor wind patterns closely, which could shift the fire's direction and threaten new areas. Local authorities have urged residents to comply immediately with all evacuation orders for their safety.

The Pyrénées-Orientales region, known for its Mediterranean climate and popular tourist beaches, has experienced increasingly severe wildfires in recent years, often exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought. This incident marks one of the largest evacuations due to a wildfire in mainland France this year.

Access roads to the affected areas remain closed to non-essential traffic, and police patrols are in place to secure evacuated properties. Firefighting efforts are expected to continue around the clock in an attempt to contain the spread before winds intensify further.