The Prefect of Gironde, Sophie Brocas, ordered the immediate evacuation on Saturday of several areas threatened by the resurgence of the fire that broke out in Saumos. The towns and neighbourhoods affected are Marcheprime, as well as the areas of Croix d’Hins, Pierroton and Toctoucau in the town of Cestas.
The authorities have ordered the immediate precautionary evacuation of the entire municipality of Biganos in light of the fire’s progress. Residents are urged to leave their homes, taking only essential items, and to follow the instructions of the police.
Be prepared to evacuate Mios and Lacanau-de-Mios: residents must be ready to leave their homes. An alert message from the prefecture will be sent shortly to confirm the evacuation order. Those without alternative accommodation may go to the reception centre set up in Gujan-Mestras. Please follow the authorities’ instructions strictly.
In Marcheprime, the evacuation was triggered via the Fr-Alert system, alerting the entire municipality. In the neighbourhoods of Cestas, the emergency services are conducting a door-to-door operation to ensure residents’ safety. Despite the massive mobilisation of the fire and rescue services, the spread of the fire makes these measures essential.
Strict instructions for the public
The authorities urge residents to follow these instructions:
- Follow the instructions of the police and emergency services to the letter.
- Facilitate access and the movement of emergency vehicles by keeping the roads clear.
- Do not return to evacuated areas without official authorisation.
- Keep up to date via the official channels of the Gironde Prefecture.
Adverse weather conditions
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned on Saturday evening that weather forecasts were “once again becoming unfavourable” in Gironde, announcing that “the coming hours may be difficult”. Emergency services, already heavily mobilised, must contend with these worsening conditions to contain the flames.
Residents are urged to report any suspicious sightings via the ‘Report a Fire’ platform and to regularly check the map of active fires to monitor how the situation is developing.