PARIS, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Huge wildfires broke out at the weekend in the French island of Corsica where about 1,500 hectares of forests had been destroyed, local media reported on Monday.
The biggest fire was reported in Calenzana where the blaze, intensified by strong winds, consumed some 1,200 hectares of forest, BFMTV news channel reported.
Most of the blazes were apparently caused by burn-beating operations which according to Josiane Chevalier, Corsica prefect, were "imprudent" and "inappropriate," due to unfavorable conditions including dry soil and strong wind.
A total of 336 firefighters have been deployed to battle the flames, in addition to five water bombers.
The fire was under control on early Monday morning but vigilance remains high due to expected strong winds in the region on Monday afternoon, according to regional authorities.
Three investigations have been started to determine the causes of the fires.
