French authorities are fighting wildfires, keeping an eye on isolated elderly populations and advising people to drink fluids as temperatures soar in the country.
Heatwave warnings were issued for a swath of central and southern France, from Burgundy to the Pyrenees. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 40 degrees in some areas.
The government is determined to avoid a repeat of the summer of 2003, when about 15,000 people died during a heat wave.
Wildfires raged around Lacanau in the south-west yesterday. Patrick Stefanini, prefect for the Aquitaine region, said on French television that they were brought under control today.
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French television is airing public service announcements with recommendations to drink water and wear hats.
AP