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Southern France is currently facing a catastrophic wildfire crisis that has necessitated the evacuation of over 10,000 individuals. This environmental disaster coincides with a record-breaking early summer heatwave affecting much of Europe, which has left the landscape dangerously vulnerable to flames. The blaze is centered in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, a picturesque mountain range separating France from Spain. According to local reports, the fire has already consumed approximately 4,600 hectares of land. In the town of Trevillach, the staggering velocity of the advancing fire shocked residents, many of whom were caught off guard by how rapidly the situation escalated. One local noted that the flames approached within 300 metres of residential properties, triggering widespread anxiety throughout the community. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has issued a warning that the situation is likely to deteriorate in the coming days. Forecasts of strong winds are particularly concerning, as these gusts are expected to fan the flames, accelerating their spread and complicating the efforts of emergency services. Nunez stressed that extinguishing the blaze will be an arduous task requiring significant time and resources. The environmental crisis has also disrupted international sporting events, specifically the Tour de France. Race organisers have introduced strict measures to ensure participant safety and maintain emergency access. Spectators have been requested to avoid the end of the third stage to prevent blocking firefighting vehicles. Furthermore, the race director confirmed that the size of the team motorcade would be reduced to the bare minimum, explaining that such an unprecedented event demands extraordinary precautions. In response to the emergency, the European Union has mobilised international support. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that four firefighting aircraft from Cyprus and Sweden are being deployed to assist local crews. The crisis is not confined to France; across the border in Spain, fires have already devastated over 2,200 hectares in the Les Gavarres natural reserve. With temperatures predicted to surpass 40 degrees Celsius again this week, the region remains on high alert.

1. What is the primary purpose of the article?

• A.To analyze the causes of global warming in Southern Europe.
• B.To report on a major wildfire and its widespread effects in France.
• C.To provide a detailed itinerary for the Tour de France cycling race.
• D.To compare the firefighting techniques of France and Spain.

2. Why are spectators being asked to stay away from the finish of the third stage?

• A.To ensure they do not suffer from the extreme heatwave.
• B.To limit the number of people near residential properties.
• C.To allow emergency services to travel through the area without obstacles.
• D.To make room for the large motorcade of team vehicles.

3. What can be inferred about the residents of Trevillach?

• A.They had plenty of time to prepare for the fire’s arrival.
• B.They were deeply surprised by how quickly the fire moved.
• C.They were reluctant to leave their homes despite the danger.
• D.They felt safe because the fire was 300 metres away.

4. Which word best describes Laurent Nunez’s perspective on the firefighting efforts?

• A.Pessimistic
• B.Indifferent
• C.Relieved
• D.Cautious

5. In the context of the article, what does ‘unprecedented’ imply about the fire?

• A.It is a common occurrence in the Pyrenees region.
• B.It is of a scale or severity that has not been seen before.
• C.It is less dangerous than the fires occurring in Spain.
• D.It was caused by the spectators of the Tour de France.