The situation deteriorated in the southwestern Gironde region in France where firefighters were fighting to control forest blazes that have devoured nearly 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) since Tuesday. In an attempt to contain the flames, firefighters use various techniques, including "controlled burning", to stop the fires from spreading. This involves containing the spread of a fire by igniting surrounding vegetation in controlled conditions to clear out the build-up of flammable materials. In an attempt to contain the flames, firefighters use various techniques, including "controlled burning", to stop the fires spreading. This involves containing the spread of a fire by igniting surrounding vegetation in controlled conditions to clear out the build-up of flammable materials. IMAGES