Campsites evacuated as France battles wildfire near Saint-Tropez

GRIMAUD, France - French firefighters hampered by strong winds were battling to contain a wildfire in the hills behind the coastal town of Saint-Tropez on Tuesday as campsites packed with holidaymakers were evacuated.

Around 900 firefighters and planes carrying water were tackling the fire but it was still not under control nearly a day after it began at a highway service area, authorities said. They urged those evacuated not to try to return to their homes. French President Emmanuel Macron left his nearby summer retreat to thank the firefighters for their efforts.