A severe bush fire broke out on Saturday 4 July at 7.31 pm in the commune of Trévillach, in the Pyrénées-Orientales. At midday on Monday 6 July, the flames had already spread 4,649 hectares at 12 noon, according to the Prefecture, amid particularly adverse weather conditions. Despite a slight drop in wind speed, high temperatures and humidity levels of around 10 per cent continue to fuel the spread of the fire, complicating the fire-fighting operations carried out by the emergency services.
750 firefighters deployed in the heat
To bring the fire under control, nearly 750 firefighters, supported by 200 vehicles, are deployed on the ground. Their efforts are supported by seven reinforcement columns and a European detachment of Romanian firefighters, who have come to assist the local teams. Four water-bombing aircraft of the Canadair Pelican were also deployed to carry out targeted airdrops, mainly on the western flank of the disaster area.
Resources are being prioritised in the areas of Trévillach, Ille-sur-Têt, Bouleternère, Vinça, Rodès and the northern part of the Massif des Aspres, in order to protect the local population and residential areas.
No new evacuation orders
Evacuees are being accommodated in several centres set up across the department, notably in Prades (sports hall), Thuir (Maison du Citoyen), Trouillas, Belesta, Reynes, Perpignan (Parc des Sports) and Le Soler. The Medical and Psychological Emergency Unit (CUMP) has been activated to support those affected, with additional resources in place in Thuir and further sites ready to open in Prades or Perpignan if necessary.
To make it easier to access information, a Public Information Unit (CIP) can be contacted on 09 70 80 90 40.
112 – the priority number for emergencies
The fire also affected the network infrastructure. Approximately 900 households are without electricity, particularly in the municipalities of Trévillach, Tarerach, Montalba-le-Château, Glorianes, Belesta and Casefabre. Two telecommunications relays and one TDF relay are out of service, rendering the 112 the priority number to call in an emergency.
The road network has also been affected, with several roads closed to traffic: the RD66 between Vinça and Ille-sur-Têt, as well as the RD2, RD13, RD17, RD38, RD618 and RD916. Motorists are advised to check the website Inforoute66 before travelling.
As regards the water supply, disruptions have been reported: a break in the water main at Montalba-le-Château has required the deployment of a water delivery service, whilst in Rodès, the water is unfit for consumption due to a loss of pressure. Drinking water is being distributed on site.
The situation is still developing, and further updates will be issued as operations progress. To follow the progress of the fires in real time, please visit our map of current fires or report a fire via our dedicated platform.