Thousands evacuated and spectators banned from Tour de France as wildfires burn through Europe

Firefighters try to contain a fire at a warehouse facility during a wild fire near Oraiokastro, on the northwest outskirts of Thessaloniki

Thousands have been forced to evacuate in some areas as wildfires burn in parts of Europe. Spectators have also been banned from lining the Tour de France route ahead of the third stage of the iconic race. Authorities say record-breaking heat waves and scant rainfall have turned forests and fields into tinderboxes, with forecasters warning that more extreme conditions are on the way.

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