Posted: 6:47 PM Aug 17, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

French authorities are fighting wildfires, keeping an eye on isolated elderly populations and advising people to drink fluids as temperatures soar in the country.

Heat wave warnings were issued for a swath of central and southern France, from Burgundy to the Pyrenees. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 40 C (104 F) in some areas.

The government is determined to avoid a repeat of the summer of 2003, when about 15,000 people died during a heat wave.

Wildfires raged around Lacanau in the southwest on Thursday. Patrick Stefanini, prefect for the Aquitaine region, said in remarks shown on French television that they were brought under control Friday morning.

French television is airing public service announcements with recommendations to drink water and wear hats.

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