A severe forest fire broke out on 24 June in the Justin massif, near Die, following a lightning strike. As of Monday, the flames had already ravaged 1,000 hectares, according to *Le Dauphiné Libéré*, making this the worst fire in the department in thirty years.
Massive mobilisation of emergency services
Firefighters from the Drôme, supported by reinforcements from other departments, are working tirelessly to contain the flames. Several aerial resources, including Canadair aircraft, Dash aircraft and water-bombing helicopters, have been deployed to douse inaccessible areas and protect the defence lines. Ground crews, equipped with water tankers and clearing equipment, are working in coordination to limit the spread of the fire.
Evacuations underway
Faced with the advancing flames, the authorities have ordered the precautionary evacuation of the villages of Barsac and Montmaur-en-Diois. Residents have been directed to accommodation centres set up by the prefecture, where volunteers and local organisations are providing them with support and assistance. The Prefect of Drôme, Marie-Aimée Gaspari, confirmed the extent of the damage during a press briefing this evening, highlighting the complexity of the operations due to the mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions.