Around 270 firefighters from Lozere and neighbouring departments were deployed as the fire burned some 153 hectares and continued to spread. (EPA Images pic)MENDE : A fast-moving wildfire was raging in southern France on Sunday, forcing evacuations as more than 200 firefighters raced to contain the blaze. The fire broke out around 12:45 pm (1045 GMT) in the Lozere region, about 140km (85 miles) northwest of Montpellier. Around 270 firefighters from Lozere and neighbouring departments were deployed, backed by four Canadair water bombers and two Dash aircraft. A Lozere fire service spokesman said their combined efforts had helped “contain the blaze and save two homes” that were directly threatened.