The massive fire that broke out on Monday afternoon in the Pyrénées-Orientales threatened several towns, including Saint-André, Sorède and Argelès-sur-Mer. Thanks to the heroic efforts of the fire brigade, hundreds of homes, dozens of businesses and several campsites were saved from devastation. The Prefect of the Pyrénées-Orientales, speaking from the Jean Carrere Hall in Argelès-sur-Mer, confirmed that 30 homes had been affected, eight of which had been engulfed by the fire.
Although the fire has been brought under control after ravaging 500 hectares, caution remains essential given the risk of it flaring up again, even though the wind has now eased. The fire, which broke out in the late afternoon in a region popular with tourists, was fuelled by extreme weather conditions, combining heat, drought and winds of up to 80 km/h.
The joint efforts of more than 650 firefighters, including 430 from the SDIS 66, supported by an impressive fleet of aeroplanes and helicopters, prevented an even greater disaster. Five campsites and two housing estates were evacuated, and emergency plans were put into action, enabling nearly 3,000 people to be accommodated in shelters. Fortunately, by midnight, some were able to return to their homes.
During this fire-fighting operation, 17 firefighters sustained minor injuries, and one of them was taken to hospital after a fall. It is, however, reassuring to note that, to date, no civilians have been reported injured.
