According to the local newspaper South-West, the fires are continuing to spread in La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area and in Landiras in southern Gironde. They are moving closer to the Landes department. According to the latest official figures released at midday on Friday by the prefecture:
- 7,350 hectares have been affected by the fire.
In particular, seven houses were destroyed. - More than 1,000 firefighters have been mobilised.
- A large number of aircraft have been deployed.
- The sub-prefects of Arcachon and Langon will hold a press briefing this Friday at 10.00 am to provide an update on the situation and give the latest figures.
3,150 hectares in La Teste-de-Buch
To be precise, 3,150 hectares have been burnt in La Teste-de-Buch. No injuries have been reported. The situation remains serious as the fire has not yet been brought under control.
In particular, several boats were on fire on Thursday evening. Early on Thursday afternoon, the village of Cazaux was completely evacuated. The 4,000 residents were taken to the exhibition centre in La Teste-de-Buch.
A further 390 people were evacuated southwards to Louchats and Origne. In addition, seven houses were destroyed.
4,200 hectares in Landiras
In the Sud-Gironde, 4,200 hectares have been burnt, according to the latest figures. According to a 9.00 am update, the overnight spread of the Landiras fire sends a chill down the spine. Or rather, it’s very hot. From 2,400 hectares on Thursday evening, the fire had spread to 4,200 hectares of destroyed pine forest by Friday morning in southern Gironde.
The fire’s rekindling and sudden flare-ups explain this worsening of the situation. The fire found large pine trees to feed on as it spread southwards. Its intensity accelerated its southward advance, forcing the authorities to evacuate the village of Origne and the neighbourhoods of Les Louchats and Balizac in the middle of the night. A further 500 residents were forced to leave their homes, bringing the total number of people evacuated since Tuesday to 1,300. According to local councillors, the lack of a mobile phone network complicated the operation.
No injuries and no houses destroyed. The firefighters battled all night as if in a boxing ring. The fire’s relentless advance, driven by a fire front several kilometres long to the south, is causing concern. Aerial support this morning should slow its progress. 300 firefighters are currently on the ground. 150 are resting after a difficult night. The road between Balizac and Origne has had to be closed. The villages now affected are: Landiras, Guillos, Cabanac-et-Villagrains, Origne, Balizac and Louchats.