The Minister for the Home, Laurent Nuñez, presented a worrying report on the morning of Friday 24 July. Since January, the Fires have ravaged more than 50,000 hectares in France. This area is nearly three times the figure recorded during the same period last year.
According to the Minister, the authorities are continuing with evacuations in several municipalities in Gironde and Landes. They are asking residents to follow the instructions strictly and not to enter the areas at risk.
Fire in Gironde: the Saumos blaze is approaching 10,000 hectares
In Saumos, in the Gironde, the fire spread across nearly 10,000 hectares. It continues to spread despite the efforts of around 1,000 firefighters. Reinforcements from several departments are taking part in the operations. Around 40,000 people have left their homes or are still being evacuated from the area.
Two Canadair aircraft, two Air Tractor aircraft and several water-bombing helicopters are supporting the ground crews. A gas explosion has injured a firefighter. The wind is also causing fire spinners that can travel up to a kilometre. This phenomenon is creating new fire outbreaks far from the main fire front.
Landes: Biscarrosse has recorded nearly 23,000 evacuations
In the Landes, the fire in Biscarrosse has already ravaged more than 2,600 hectares. Around 700 firefighters are battling the flames. Weather conditions are hampering their efforts and causing the fire to spread rapidly. At least 105 buildings have been partially or completely destroyed by the fire. The assessment of the material damage is still provisional. “We are currently carrying out an inventory, so I prefer to remain cautious,” said the prefect.
At this stage, at least 105 buildings have been recorded as having been partially or completely destroyed by the fire. This figure could still rise: “I think this figure is an underestimate. There has probably been more damage,” he said.
Nearly 23,000 people are currently evacuating the areas at risk. The flames have reached around a hundred houses and have completely destroyed several homes. The authorities are maintaining heightened surveillance around Biscarrosse and Parentis-en-Born.
The Var and the Alps affected by wildfires
In the Var department, the Pontevès fire has burned across around 3,700 hectares. However, the weather forecast suggests that the situation may take a more favourable turn. The authorities will therefore be able to gradually scale back the aerial firefighting operation and redeploy several aircraft to Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
France has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism. Portugal is sending two Air Tractors. Croatia is providing two Canadairs. The Czech Republic and Slovakia are contributing two Black Hawk heavy helicopters. These resources are intended to bolster the fire-fighting efforts at Saumos and Biscarrosse.
A fourth fire has also brought out the emergency services in the Hautes-Alpes. Lightning sparked this fire in a mountainous area that is difficult to access. Emergency services are using aerial resources to tackle the areas that cannot be reached from the ground.
Laurent Nuñez finally points out that operational activity is currently two and a half times higher than last year’s level. This increase relates to Canadair flights, water drops and the number of staff deployed.
If everyone acts responsibly, we can help prevent further fires from breaking out and ensure that emergency resources are preserved. To keep up to date with the situation, please visit our map of current fires and report any fire to 18/112.