Paris, Aug. 10 (SANA)French authorities evacuated residents of two towns in the Lozère region ofsouthern Franceon Sunday and cleared around 20 homes after a rapidly spreadingforest firebroke out, while firefighting teams continued efforts to bring the blaze under control.

Agence France-Presse quoted local fire services as saying that around 220 personnel were taking part in firefighting operations, supported by eight water-bombing aircraft.

The fire services said the situation had not yet been contained, as flames had consumed about 90 hectares and continued to spread.

The wildfire erupted in the Lozère region, about 140 kilometers northwestern of Montpellier, with initial assessments suggesting it may have started after a vehicle caught fire on a local road.

The incident comes as parts of Europe experience intense summer heatwaves that contribute to higher risks of forest fires and faster fire spread. Scientists say climate change linked to greenhouse gas emissions is increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events.