Southeastern France Under Highest Wildfire Alert Amid Intense Heat Wave

French authorities have placed three southeastern departments (Bouches-du-Rhone, Var, and Vaucluse) under the highest wildfire alert ('red alert') due to an intense heat wave. Meteo-France reports a 'very high' risk of forest fires, with temperatures expected to reach up to 38°C in some areas. Var and Vaucluse are also under an orange heat wave alert, while Bouches-du-Rhone has a yellow heat wave warning. Authorities have closed mountain massifs and banned public access in the Var department.