Thousands evacuated as crews battle wildfires near French Riviera

Firemen use a hose to extinguish a fire in a forest near Le Luc (Daniel Cole/AP)

Thousands of people were evacuated from homes and vacation spots near the French Riviera as firefighters battled a fire racing through surrounding forests, the latest of several wildfires that have swept the Mediterranean region.

At least 22 people have suffered smoke inhalation or minor fire-related injuries in the blaze that started on Monday evening about 24 miles inland from the coastal resort of Saint-Tropez, according to the top government official for the Var region.