More than 10,000 people were evacuated overnight after a fast-moving wildfire spread near the popular Atlantic coastal town of Lège-Cap-Ferret in southwestern France, authorities said Thursday.

The fire has burned more than 2,000 hectares (4,900 acres) of land, although no injuries have been reported so far.

The Gironde prefecture said around 500 firefighters are battling the blaze, but warned that weather conditions remain unfavourable, making it difficult to bring the fire under control.

As a safety measure, authorities evacuated more than 10,000 people, including many tourists staying at eight holiday camps and campgrounds in the area southwest of Bordeaux.

More than 1,000 residents living near forested areas were also asked to leave their homes.

Authorities have opened emergency shelters in nine municipalities, where more than 2,500 evacuees have taken refuge.

France and several other southern European countries have experienced a series of major wildfires this summer, driven by prolonged heatwaves and dry weather.

Scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat and drought, creating conditions that make wildfires more likely and more destructive.

France has been hit by repeated heatwaves since before the start of summer, leaving forests and vegetation extremely dry and vulnerable to fire.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said more than 12,500 wildfires have broken out across the country since the beginning of the year, burning nearly 44,000 hectares of land.