Firefighters are engaged in fighting a blaze which broke out in a forested area near to Gorbio in the Alpes-Maritimes this morning. Several dozen firefighters and four water bombing aircraft have been involved in fighting the blaze which has affected at least ten hectares. Earlier today firefighters were still involved in fighting a fire which broke out near to Valdeblore yesterday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Prefect of the Var has called for the greatest vigilance because of the risk of fire. Conditions in the department are expected to be dry with high winds tomorrow, increasing the risk of fire. The Prefect reminded everyone that the burning of green waste is strictly prohibited. Full details of the regulations governing the use of fire in the department can be found on the Prefecture's website http://www.var.gouv.fr/reglementation-de-l-emploi-du-feu-dans-le-var-a1271.html
The number of jobseekers in France has fallen slightly. 5,508,000 jobseekers registered with Pôle emploi in Categories A, B, C on average in February. The figure is 38,900 lower than that recorded in December.
Marches have been held in many towns across France today to draw attention to climate change. The demonstrations are part of an international day of youth action. More marches are planned for tomorrow.
The Monaco government has said that remote working, implemented as part of the COVID-19 health measures, is maintained until 31 May for employees of the Principality residing in France. From June 1 , employers are invited to switch to the teleworking system governed by Monaco law. The Monaco government also said that remote work will be maintained under the current conditions for employees residing in Italy.
A Riviera Radio listener is planning a trip to Poland to help in the Ukraine humanitarian crisis. Johnnie Curwen who lives in Biot is purchasing a second hand French ambulance and driving it to the Ukrainian border in Poland. Johnnie is in direct contact with the Government Humanitarian Aid Hub in Ukraine and is organising the specific medical aid they require. Pharmacies and hospitals in the South of France will be donating medical aid to stock the ambulance before Johnnie makes the journey to Poland. The ambulance is going to be taken into service in the Lviv military-civil administration. They are raising the money needed to buy, service, insure and fuel the ambulance before hitting the road with the medical aid that the Ukrainians desperately need. The link for more information on the GoFundMe website is https://gofund.me/70d2468f Alternatively, Johnnie can be reached by telephone on 06 74 01 18 89.
BUSINESS
The United States and the EU have announced an agreement regarding the supply of liquified natural gas. In an attempt to reduce Europe's reliance on Russian energy, the US will provide the EU with at least 15 billion additional cubic metres of LNG by the end of the year. The longer-term aim is to ensure, until at least 2030, about 50 billion cubic metres per year of US LNG is delivered to the EU, up from last year's 22 billion cubic metres.
The conflict in Ukraine has caused business confidence in Germany to fall sharply according to a new survey. The ifo research institute said that "the mood in the German economy has plummeted". The ifo business climate index fell to 90.8 points in March because of "a historic drop" in expectations of 13.3 points, which exceeded the drop when the coronavirus crisis broke out in March 2020.
SPORT
Cricket... Australia have beaten Pakistan by 115 runs in the third and final Test in Lahore. The opening two Tests both ended in draws. Australia are touring Pakistan for the first time since 1998.
Motorsports.... Charles Leclerc was fastest in first practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this afternoon. Max Verstappen was second fastest and Valtteri Bottas was third.
It's been confirmed that Sebastian Vettel won't be taking part in this weekend's Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia because of Covid-19. He'll once again be replaced by reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg, who also replaced Vettel in last week's Bahrain Grand Prix.
Football... The Football Association is to provide 100 free buses for fans attending the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley. No trains are running from either city to London that weekend. The game takes place at Wembley on Saturday, 16 April.
