Firefighters from the Gironde, supported by reinforcements from neighbouring departments and across the country, have been tackling two fires since Tuesday 12 July, which have so far burnt 19,300 hectares of forest in Gironde. Despite the significant ground and air resources deployed, the situation remains fluid.
More than 2,000 firefighters from Gironde and across France, supported by significant aerial resources (8 Canadair aircraft and 2 DASH aircraft today), are continuing to battle these two exceptional wildfires. So far, these efforts have helped to save lives and limit material damage.
Late yesterday afternoon, a new fire broke out in Vensac, in the Médoc. Covering an area of 70 hectares, it led to a few precautionary evacuations. The fire was brought under control immediately and is now contained.
La Teste-de-Buch
- 6,500 hectares of forest have been destroyed by fire in La Teste-de-Buch.
- 8,000 residents were evacuated yesterday, bringing the total number of evacuees to over 20,000 (figures are currently being finalised).
- Part of the craft centre was evacuated late in the evening.
- The evacuation of the Pilat care home was completed during the night.
- Some of the animals from La Teste-de-Buch Zoo have been evacuated as a precautionary measure to Pessac Zoo. Only the largest animals had to remain on site, but they are not directly threatened by the flames.
The situation remains serious. The fire service’s efforts have enabled them to protect key areas throughout the night, and are continuing today on all fronts of the fire.
Firebreaks are still being created by the DFCI and the ONF, supported by forestry companies and army bulldozers. The latter worked through the night to build a firebreak north of Biscarosse and are continuing their work today.
Recreational boating on the western part of Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet, as well as boating and mooring in the area around the southern entrance to the Arcachon Basin, remain prohibited. The decrees are available on the Prefecture’s website.
The PCO has been moved from the zoo to the La Teste-de-Buch racecourse. The D218 departmental road remains closed between the Pilat roundabout and Biscarrosse beach.
Landiras
- 12,800 hectares were burnt in Landiras, in the Langon district.
- More than 8,000 people were evacuated yesterday. The total number of people evacuated since the start of the crisis stands at more than 14,000.
The situation remains very serious. The fire brigade fought the fire all night. The fire is likely to spread eastwards due to a westerly wind that picked up during the night. The command centre has been moved from Villandraut to Langon (Jean Moulin Sixth Form College).
Many roads remain closed.
Fabienne BUCCIO, Prefect of Gironde, wishes once again to pay tribute, during these difficult times, to the exemplary commitment of the fire service and all those who have been working tirelessly for nearly a week to tackle the fires and their aftermath.
The Prefect is asking everyone to exercise the utmost caution, to follow the instructions issued by the Prefecture, the mayors and the police carefully, and not to overload the emergency lines with requests for information.
A public information helpline has been set up. It can be contacted on 0 800 009 763 from 8 am to 8 pm.
It reminds the public that the Gironde department remains on RED alert for forest fires. Access to the department’s woodlands is temporarily prohibited.