A fierce fire continues to ravage the Pyrénées-Orientales Since Saturday evening, the fire has already burnt across 4,900 hectares and led to the evacuation of 10,000 people. The flames, which are still burning, are threatening several towns in the Aspres mountain range, despite a massive emergency response.
800 firefighters on the front line in the face of adverse weather conditions
The 800 firefighters deployed on the ground are facing a complex situation, with the fire flaring up again and difficult weather conditions. The Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, who is visiting Ille-sur-Têt, emphasised that whilst the fire has been “stabilised in a number of places”, it is “still spreading” and has “not been brought under control”.
Operations are particularly intense in Ille-sur-Têt, Rodés and Vinça, where homes have been destroyed. According to the minister, 50 buildings have been “affected” by the flames. Eleven people have suffered minor injuries, including seven firefighters and four civilians.
Additional air support to assist ground crews
To support the fire service, seven Canadair aircraft, two Dash aircraft and four water-bombing helicopters are currently in operation. From Tuesday, eight additional Air Tractor aircraft will bolster the aerial resources, six of which are being deployed via the European Solidarity Mechanism from Cyprus, Sweden and Spain.
The rapid spread of the fire, which started in Trévillach on Saturday evening, is due to high temperatures and a dry breeze. The level of the risk of fire remains very high in the department, and is expected to remain so until the end of the week.
Call for caution and evacuations underway
The minister emphasised the importance of staying vigilant, as several fires have been reported elsewhere in France. He urged the public to avoid any risky behaviour, such as throwing away a cigarette butt or lighting a barbecue. More than twenty towns have been evacuated, and the authorities have stated that conditions are not yet safe for residents to return.