A severe forest fire broke out on Thursday in the middle of the afternoon near Biscarrosse, in the Landes region, after a vehicle caught fire on the road to Bordeaux between Biscarrosse and Sanguinet. The flames, fanned by adverse weather conditions, spread rapidly, ravaging more than 2,500 hectares and leading to the evacuation of nearly 23,000 people.
A massive mobilisation of emergency services
More than 350 firefighters are on the ground battling the spread of the fire, supported by aerial resources and reinforcements from Air Base 118. Seventy gendarmes are ensuring the security of the operations and the evacuated areas. Despite their efforts, the flames have already destroyed several homes and swept through an industrial estate south of Biscarrosse, though it is not yet possible to establish a precise toll due to the thick smoke.
Five firefighters have suffered minor injuries or been affected by the smoke, but their condition is not a cause for concern. The gas supply has been cut off in several neighbourhoods to prevent any further risk, and the emergency services are working to protect a strategic electricity substation.
Evacuations underway and emergency measures
The Prefect of the Landes department, Gilles Clavreul, has ordered the precautionary evacuation of several areas to facilitate rescue operations. Consequently, 6,000 people have been evacuated from the east and south of Biscarrosse, whilst a further 3,000, residing at the ‘Calède’, ‘Les Cottages’, ‘Le Pison’ and ‘Le Pipiou’ in Parentis-en-Born, have also had to leave the area. Evacuations are continuing, particularly for campsites in the Mayotte area, with people being redirected to Biscarrosse Plage.
Several roads are closed to traffic, including the routes towards Sanguinet and Parentis, as well as the Narp area. However, the Route du Pyla has been reopened. To facilitate travel, a lane has been opened on the military site of the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) to allow access to Mimizan from the west.
The reception centres originally located in the village have been moved to the beach due to the smoke. Evacuees are asked to go to the Dream Beach and La Siesta sites. The Arcanson, Saint-Exupéry, Les Cols Verts and Meyrie sports hall sites remain closed for safety reasons.
A situation under close monitoring
The Landes Prefecture and the emergency services are maintaining a high level of vigilance, as weather conditions continue to favour the spread of the flames. Residents are urged to follow the authorities’ instructions and to regularly check the maps of active fires and weather warnings to stay informed of how the situation is developing.
To report a fire: dial 18. If you witness a fire or a dangerous situation, please use the online reporting form.