A fierce fire has been raging for several days in the Justin massif, near Die, in the Drôme. The flames, which flared up again with renewed intensity on the evening of Thursday 2 July, have already consumed 115 hectares of vegetation, according to the latest figures released on Friday evening.
A persistent fire in a mountainous area
Originally announced on 24 June, the fire had appeared to be under control before flaring up again with renewed intensity on Thursday evening. The terrain, characterised by steep slopes, is making fire-fighting operations considerably more difficult.
218 firefighters and aerial resources deployed
No fewer than 218 firefighters are currently being deployed in the field according to the Dauphiné Libéré in an attempt to contain the flames. National reinforcements are expected this Saturday morning to bolster the firefighting teams.
As for air assets, two Army helicopters were observed in the area, whilst several aircraft from the Civil Protection were deployed on Friday to carry out water drops.
Local authorities and the emergency services remain on high alert, as weather conditions could affect how the situation develops over the next few hours.