Croatian crew battling wildfires in France

Massive wildfires continue to rage across central Spain and southwestern France, forcing more than 300,000 people to evacuate their homes.

Tens of thousands of hectares of coastal pine forest have already been destroyed in France’s Gironde region, as flames continue to threaten areas on the outskirts of Bordeaux.

A Croatian Canadair water bomber and eleven members of the Croatian Armed Forces were deployed to France on Friday to help authorities bring the fires under control. The crew, which is carrying out dozens of missions each day, is currently operating in the wider Bordeaux area.

Pilot Ante Vranjić from the 855th Firefighting Squadron of the Croatian Air Force said the situation in the affected areas remains extremely challenging.

"Together with our French colleagues, we are making every possible effort to bring the fires under control. Our mission is to protect lives, property and the environment. It is a great honour for us to represent Croatia and stand alongside our French friends and other international teams, providing assistance when it is needed most," Vranjić said.

Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave said on Sunday that he had asked the Ministry of Economy to immediately establish a crisis headquarters to coordinate the response to the economic impact of the fires.

"With tomorrow being Monday, there are important questions about people returning to work, particularly as many businesses are located in the evacuated areas. The tourism, hospitality and catering sectors have been especially hard hit. I want to bring together the minister, the prefect and representatives of the business community as soon as possible to assess the extent of the economic damage and determine the next steps," Cazenave said.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV expressed his solidarity with all those affected by the devastating forest fires.

"I also invite everyone to join in prayer for the victims and for the firefighters, emergency personnel and all those working tirelessly to provide assistance and protect lives," the pontiff said.