More than 200 people have been evacuated
More than 200 villagers threatened by major forest fires have been evacuated, emergency services said Tuesday, and some 150 firefighters are struggling to control the blaze in the Swiss Alps.
The fire broke out in a forest above the village of Pecs in southern Switzerland on Monday.
“An important response system was quickly put in place. We are still fighting the rapidly spreading fire,” Wallis police said in a statement. Civilian and military helicopters joined local firefighters. They have yet to.” Four small villages were evacuated.
Public broadcaster RTS, citing Wallis police, said 205 people had been evacuated. Most of them found shelter with their families or friends.
The fire will not be controlled for several days at best.
No injuries were reported and no homes were damaged. Police said they have opened an investigation to find out the cause of the fire.
Firefighters believe that it will take several days or even weeks to bring the fire under control. According to local fire chief Mario Schaller, about 100 hectares of forest have been burned. “Until the smoke clears, there will be no respite,” he said, noting that winds in the valley are always stronger in the afternoon.
Europe is facing heat waves that will intensify more on Tuesday in parts of the northern hemisphere.
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