Beirut: The growing frequency of wildfires and other climate-related disasters in France will have significant economic consequences, affecting sectors from agriculture and tourism to infrastructure, France Inter radio reported Monday, citing an economist.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mathieu Plane, deputy director of the Analysis and Forecasting Department at the French Economic Observatory (OFCE), highlighted that a heatwave or a forest fire, if it lasts or is large-scale, will impact the economy, infrastructure, agricultural yield, or tourism. Plane emphasized the necessity for the French economy to adapt to the increasing recurrence of such disasters.

"The issue of resilience will become increasingly important in the face of these large-scale events. The organization of activity, work, and tourism will all have significant effects," Plane stated. He pointed out that these incidents have shifted from being considered isolated episodes to recurrent issues, raising questions about adaptation and economic security.

Wildfires have scorched 115,000 hectares (284,000 acres) across France since the start of the year, marking what Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described as an "exceptional" situation. In the southwestern Gironde department alone, the fires have burned 42,000 hectares (103,784 acres) and forced the evacuation of 220,000 people.

As the fires continued to affect Gironde and neighboring Landes, the Economy Ministry convened representatives from the tourism, energy, insurance, and telecommunications sectors on Monday. The ministry aims to assess the damage, identify urgent needs, and ensure economic activity can continue in the affected areas.

Government ministers and industry federations are also expected to discuss coordination between sectors and the possible acceleration of support measures for affected businesses.