The flames on France's Atlantic coast near Bordeaux have already destroyed an area twice the size of the capital Paris.

Since the fires began, more than 36,000 people have had to leave their homes as a precaution.

In Brittany, the heathland of the Monts d'Arrée mountain range is on fire.

In view of the extent of fires in parts of the country that have so far been spared and in other areas of Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for European civil protection to be improved.

"We need more fire-fighting planes," he said during a visit to La Teste-de-Buch near the Pilat sand dune, where emergency services are slowly getting the fire under control.

Michael Wiegel

Political correspondent based in Paris.

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The 22 French firefighting aircraft have been sufficient in recent years, Macron said.

However, extreme weather events such as drought and heat would become more frequent as a result of climate change.

Regions further north are also no longer safe.

"We will need more firefighting aircraft in the future," said Macron.

He advocated a European strategy for acquisition and use.

Manufacturers should be encouraged to increase production.

No German participation in EU plans

Under the French EU Council Presidency, the EU decided in March to adapt civil protection to the frequency of extreme weather events.

After the many forest fires, fire-fighting aircraft are to be bought for the European Union.

Twelve EU firefighting aircraft have been in use in Portugal, Slovenia and France since June.

A helicopter is also available.

"The aircraft will be procured by the member states, but financed 100 percent by the European Union," said the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič.

Germany is not participating in the initiative.

According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, forest fires should continue to be fought without the support of fire-fighting aircraft.

A spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry of the Interior said there were no plans to purchase such aircraft when asked by the German Press Agency.

She referred to the responsibility of the federal states and local authorities for disaster and fire protection.

The federal government can only provide temporary support with its resources by way of administrative assistance if the forces of the federal states and municipalities are not sufficient - for example with helicopters from the federal police and the armed forces.