Summer forest fires ravage 63,000 hectares in France, worst in 30 years

MARSEILLE, France (AFP) Sep 30, 2003
Deadly forest fires in southern France and on the Mediterranean island of Corsica have ravaged 63,000 hectares (155,600 acres) of brush since the start of the year, the worst total since record-keeping began 30 years ago, official estimates revealed Tuesday.

The hardest-hit areas were the Var department on the Riviera coast and northern Corsica, according to data from the national forestry officeobtained by AFP.

Ten people have died as a result of the fast-moving blazes, which mainly broke out this summer.

"Exceptional climatic conditions made the numbers explode, and we've got the worst total in terms of surface area since 1973," when the government started recording statistics about fires, forest protection officials said Monday.

The severe drought and heat wave that plagued France this summer were partly responsible for the devastating fires, but officials say they fear that many of the blazes were set deliberately.

French President Jacques Chirac has vowed to act "with the utmost severity" against anyone convicted of arson.

TERRA.WIRE