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Feux de Forêt

Sigean (11)

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Rédaction feuxdeforet.fr
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Illustration - D.R.

Update at 8 pm

Spread and status of the fire: The fire, which broke out at 2.00 pm in Sigean, has spread across 35 hectares of vegetation and was “contained but not yet under control” at 7.00 pm. Should it flare up again, 100 hectares are potentially at risk.

Deployment of emergency services: 124 firefighters, two helicopters, three Canadair aircraft and Catalan reinforcements with four lorries have been mobilised to bring the fire under control, which is being fanned by a strong tramontane wind.

Impact on infrastructure: The RD6009, which had been closed to traffic during the afternoon, was reopened at 8 pm. Sigean Town Council activated and then lifted the local emergency plan to protect the Hameau du Lac.

Prevention and safety measures: An area that was potentially at risk was protected by the fire brigade. The African Reserve was not at risk, but the 1,400 visitors present were allowed to stay and no further visitors were admitted.

Advice for the public: The authorities continue to strongly advise motorists and onlookers to avoid the area around the fire to allow the emergency services to carry out their work effectively.

Update at 5.25 pm

  1. Increased spread of the fire: By 4.30 pm, the fire in Sigean had destroyed 35 hectares of vegetation, and had spread across around 40 hectares in less than two hours.
  2. Strengthening emergency response capabilities: 124 firefighters, assisted by two water-carrying helicopters and three Canadair aircraft, have been deployed to bring the fire under control, which is being fanned by a strong tramontane wind. Reinforcements from Catalonia, comprising four fire engines, have arrived to support the efforts.
  3. Threat and impact on traffic: 100 hectares are now under threat from the flames. The RD6009 is closed to traffic and one carriageway of the A9 in the Perpignan–Narbonne direction has been closed.
  4. Prevention and protection measures: Sigean Town Hall activated the local emergency response plan, mobilising a team from the municipal civil protection reserve. This measure was lifted at 4.45 pm for the Hameau du Lac, as it was no longer under threat from the fire.
  5. Measures for the African Reserve: Although not under threat from the fire, the Réserve Africaine has closed its gates and visitors are asked to remain inside. An area potentially at risk is currently being protected by the fire service, with no other homes in danger at present.

Update at 4.30 pm

  1. Start and spread of the fire: The fire broke out at around 2 pm in Sigean and had already spread across 15 hectares of vegetation by 3.50 pm on Tuesday 2 June.
  2. Deployment of emergency services: 90 firefighters, assisted by two water-carrying helicopters, are on the scene to bring the fire under control.
  3. Aggravating circumstances: The fire is being fanned by a strong tramontane wind, which is hampering efforts to bring it under control.
  4. Extent of potential damage: According to the Aude Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS), 52 hectares are under threat from the flames.
  5. Further information and recommendations: Reinforcements from the Pyrénées-Orientales are expected, and the authorities strongly advise motorists and onlookers to avoid the area.