The situation regarding the fire that has been raging since Saturday in the Pyrénées-Orientales is improving on Wednesday 8 July. At a press conference, the department’s prefect announced that the fire, which is still active, has burnt 4,936 hectares, a figure that has remained stable over the last few hours. Fire-fighting operations are continuing, with a massive mobilisation of emergency services.
800 firefighters and aerial resources deployed
Nearly 800 firefighters, including 400 from other departments, have been deployed on the ground to contain the flames. Their efforts are supported by significant aerial resources: seven Canadair aircraft, two Dash aircraft and two water-bombing helicopters, reinforced since Tuesday by eight additional aircraft, including six from other European countries. Their coordinated efforts are gradually bringing the fire under control; it began in the Trévillach area before spreading towards Ille-sur-Têt and Les Aspres.
10 municipalities reopened, the RD 66 road accessible once more
After several days of evacuation, residents of ten municipalities can now return to their homes. These are Corbère, Corbère-les-Cabanes, Llauro, Montalba, Oms, Arboussols, Montauriol, Sainte-Colombe-de-la-Commanderie, Tarerach and Tordère. The prefect has stated that these areas are now considered safe, whilst urging residents to remain vigilant and contactable. A further list of towns is due to be announced at 2 pm as part of a phased reopening.
More good news: the RD 66 departmental road, which has been closed since the fire began, is set to reopen this Wednesday morning at 9.00 am. This reopening will help to ease the strain on residents’ daily lives and economic activities. The prefect has, however, called on road users to act responsibly by giving way to emergency vehicles, particularly fire engines.
12,000 people evacuated since the start of the fire
Since the fire broke out, 12,000 people have been evacuated, particularly from the towns of Vinça, Ille-sur-Têt and Bouleternère. Rescue operations, carried out tirelessly, have made it possible to secure several areas in recent hours. By Tuesday afternoon, residents of Taulis and Taillet had already been able to return home.