Deadly French wildfires threaten missile plants, nuclear sites as fourth heatwave looms

Missile factories and nuclear research sites near Bordeaux face evacuation as wildfires scorch over 104,000 acres in France's worst blaze on record.

The fires have forced evacuations and protective measures at strategically important aerospace and defence sites, while preventing thousands of businesses from operating normally.

Wildfires in Europe have displaced around 300,000 people this week

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The UK is gearing up for a fourth heatwave of the year just as extreme weather in France and Spain sparked ‘apocalyptic’ wildfires. Huge blazes are just nine miles from the city of Bordeaux with officials warn

Rain over the weekend provided little or no relief in many areas still facing continuing hot weather.

Rain over the weekend provided little or no relief in many areas still facing continuing hot weather.

More than 42,000 hectares have now burned in Gironde, southwestern France as wildfires push closer to Bordeaux. Authorities say 240 homes have already been destroyed by the flames, which are now also threatening some of France's most sensitive defence and space industry sites.

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a crisis cabinet meeting on Monday as wildfires closed in on the south-western city of Bordeaux.

Blazes are about 15km from Bordeaux, but the city's mayor says there are no plans to evacuate.