The Minister for the Interior and Overseas Territories is once again stepping up efforts to tackle the forest fires in Gironde. Severe forest fires are currently affecting the Gironde department, particularly in Landiras and La Teste-de-Buch.
Considerable resources were deployed: nearly 1,500 firefighters – half of whom were reinforcements from other departments – were rapidly mobilised, along with six water-bombing aircraft (four Candairs and two Dashs). In addition, army bulldozers were deployed, along with the National Police and the National Gendarmerie, to secure the area and carry out evacuations.
Aircraft, additional firefighters and ‘heavy goods vehicles’
In view of the unfavourable weather conditions forecast for tomorrow in Gironde and the unpredictability of the fires due to winds from all directions, Gérald Darmanin, Minister for the Interior and Overseas Territories, has decided to reinforce the ground and aerial resources deployed, drawing on those pre-positioned in the far south.
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From this evening, three additional aircraft will join the six already deployed, bringing the total number of aircraft deployed to nine – a 50 per cent increase in air resources. In addition, more than 200 extra firefighters will be deployed from this evening, along with 11 heavy fire engines.
Gérald Darmanin has finally called on the French public to exercise the utmost vigilance, given that rising temperatures and dry ground are making it easier for new fires to break out.