Almost 1,000 firefighters tackle ‘mega-fire’ in southern France

Authorities say blaze brought under control but likely to take days to extinguish amid drought conditions, heat and strong winds

Nearly 1,000 firefighters backed by water-dropping planes have been deployed to battle a massive blaze in France's southern Gard region that burned 600 hectares (1,500 acres) and forced the evacuation of residents.

Local authorities said on Friday the wildfire had been brought under control but would take days to extinguish.