France wildfires force thousands to flee

Two wildfires in southern France forced several thousand people to flee before the blazes were brought under control, officials said on Monday.

The fire, which has destroyed at least 300 hectares of land, ignited near the A9 highway from Montpellier to the Spanish border. Outgoing French Interior Minister Gerald DarmaninvisitedFrontignan, to greet firefighters. Of the 600 firefighters who rushed to put out the fire on Sunday, half were expected to keep working on the site throughout the day.