🔴 A major fire is currently raging in the commune of Gigean, in the Hérault department.
🚒✈️🚁The fire brigade are on the scene, along with air support from the civil protection service and the local authority.
⚠️ For your safety, please avoid the area
FOLLOW-UP:
MONDAY 19 AUGUST
08:00: The fire has been brought under control and is no longer spreading. The 450 firefighters on the scene are bringing the multiple flare-ups under control.
00:00: Emergency services are dealing with several flare-ups; the fire is not under control
SUNDAY 18 AUGUST
10.00 pm: The fire has been brought under control. It’s now time to focus on clearing the firebreaks and dealing with the hotspots!
9.00 pm: Efforts to protect key areas are continuing, particularly in two neighbourhoods of Frontignan: Lacoste and Les Hauts de Frontignan. The fire has spread across more than 300 hectares. In total, more than 600 firefighters have been mobilised. The Prefect has advised residents to stay at home: They’re safe there. The Home Secretary, Gérald Darmanin, has announced that he will visit the scene on Monday.
8.30 pm: The fire has spread across 370 hectares and is still burning
7.30 pm: Frontignan’s local emergency plan has been activated! Evacuations are currently taking place in the north of the town. The Henri-Ferrari sports hall is open to accommodate those being evacuated.
7.00 pm: The fire is still burning and is approaching the town of Frontignan. Around 300 hectares have been burnt. A Civil Protection containment team and four reinforcement columns have been mobilised.
5.55 pm: The fire continues to spread towards the town of Frontigan. 50 hectares have been burnt and around 260 firefighters and forest fire fighters are on the scene
5.00 pm: The fire has spread to the Frontignan area. Evacuation and protection measures are in place for some homes in the Gigean–Balaruc area. The power line crossing the Gardiole massif has been cut.
4.30 pm: 20 hectares burnt, around a hundred at risk; the fire is still burning. Access to the A9 motorway is closed at Bessan.
4.15 pm: 5 Canadairs, 1 HBEL, 1 Dash, departmental Moranes.
3.42 pm: Aircraft from the Civil Protection Service and the SDIS have arrived. The fire is spreading through the Gardiole massif.
3.24 pm: Report of a fire breaking out in the town of Gigean, 150 metres from the edge of the motorway.
📷Kevin, Stéphane, Laurent, Noémie, Cyril, Anthony
