A wildfire swept through towns on France's Mediterranean coast near Frejus, threatening homes and forcing the evacuation of several hamlets.Strong winds and drought conditions fueled the rapid spread of the blaze, which scorched about 180 hectares by Sunday evening.Local authorities reported that the fire spread extremely quickly during the heatwave and extreme drought.

Television images showed large flames advancing behind hillside villas typical of the French Riviera, with thick black smoke billowing above pine and cypress trees.

The World Meteorological Organization warned that record temperatures in Western Europe would worsen wildfire risks due to sustained high temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation.In Les Arcs, the average high temperature was forecasted to reach 38°C, 11.4°C above the normal July 19 average.Train services between Toulon and Les Arcs were suspended due to the fire.

The incident highlights the growing threat of wildfires exacerbated by climate conditions, prompting concerns about the region's vulnerability to such disasters.