France wildfires: Campsites full of Brits in path of inferno as 3,000 tourists evacuated amid ‘maximum alert’ warning

CAMPSITES full of Brit holidaymakers are in the path of the ferocious wildfires burning up parts of France, as 3,000 tourists have been evacuated. The worst blaze was in the southern Pyrenees region close to the seaside resort of Argelès-sur-Mer where a wildfire ripped through 1,235 acres of land. APAround 650 firefighters have been tackling the wildfires in southern France[/caption] APAn entire campsite as well as 30 houses and a warehouse have been destroyed[/caption] APOne firefighter is in a critical condition in hospital[/caption] By the time it was under control on Tuesday morning it had destroyed 30 houses, a warehouse, and an entire campsite, while also leaving a firefighter in a critical condition in hospital. Holidaymakers have been warned to stay on “maximum alert” as between 350 and 400 people have been left without accommodation. Many of those were escaped were still in their swimsuits and shorts as they headed for temporary accommodation in gyms and other public buildings. As an investigation was launched into the infernos, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said there could be “worse to come”. Mr Darmanin added: “I call on the population and holidaymakers to be extremely vigilant.” He said that 650 firefighters supported by water-dropping aircraft fought the flames throughout the night between Monday and Tuesday. A spokesman for the local emergency services confirmed that campsites full of British people were in the disaster zone. “All need to follow official instructions and remain on maximum alert at all times,” he said.  Have you been impacted by the wildfires in southern France? Tell us you story at: iona.cleave@the-sun.co.uk or worldnews@the-sun.co.uk “Temperatures are rising, and there is no sign that these wildfires will stop.” Regional official Rodrigue Furcy added: “The fire has been contained, but the area remains under close surveillance.” Families who had quickly packed their belongings and fled the devastated area were told to be particularly cautious when they returned to their incinerated cars and holiday accommodation. Laetitia Richard, 39, said she was lucky to escape from the Chênes Rouges (Red Oaks) campsite with her husband and two children. “We loaded up what we could and left,” she said. “We’re alive, and that’s the main thing.” The blaze spread exceptionally quickly due to temperatures approaching 40C and winds reaching up to 100mph.  Seventeen firefighters were wounded while fighting the flames, and one was admitted to hospital. Roads were blocked and trains between the French city of Perpignan and the Spanish border were suspended. The entire Pyrenees-Orientales department, which borders Spain, has been hit by a devastating drought. Last week, firefighters battled another wildfire near the southwestern city of Bordeaux that forced around 8,000 people to flee. France is in the middle of its fourth heat wave of the year, while blazes have also devastated large parts of Greece, Italy, Algeria and Tunisia. APUp to 400 holidaymakers have been left without accomodation[/caption] APAirplanes were brought in to help fight the fires[/caption] AFPThe remains of a holiday home after the fires ravaged it[/caption] AFPOfficials said emergency services were still fighting the flames[/caption] AFPSurvivors sit on grass after their campsite was evacuated[/caption] AFPThe evacuees have been taken to makeshift camps[/caption]