A devastating forest fire in southwest France has consumed over 1,500 hectares and poses a significant threat to the Tour de France's third stage, scheduled for Monday in Les Angles, located approximately 60 kilometers from the blaze.

Local authorities announced that a decision regarding the potential cancellation of the stage will be made "before the end of the day". However, race director Christian Prudhomme mentioned that the route could be modified if necessary to ensure safety.

The situation is dire as extreme heat and wildfires plague much of Europe, raising safety concerns for this year's race, which commenced in Barcelona on Saturday. To combat the fire in the Pyrenees-Orientales department, around 750 firefighters, 200 vehicles, and nine water-bombing helicopters have been deployed, with the fire front stretching 18 kilometers.

Currently, no fatalities have been reported; however, one firefighter and one resident remain in critical condition. Firefighters are striving to prevent the fire from spreading toward the Tet river and the Aspres mountainous region, known for its challenging terrain.

Additionally, Meteo France classified seven departments in southern France as having a "very high fire risk". In Spain's Catalonia region, where the race began, a wildfire that affected around 2,200 hectares in Les Gavarres has been stabilized, although high temperatures and smoke continue to hinder extinguishing efforts. This fire, which ignited on Friday, was reportedly triggered by a worker using a circular saw, leading to an arrest.