Firefighters in Gironde, supported by reinforcements from neighbouring departments and across the country, have been battling two fires since Tuesday 12 July, which have so far burnt nearly 13,000 hectares of forest in Gironde. Despite the significant ground and aerial resources deployed, the situation remains unstable and has even deteriorated this afternoon.
There are now nearly 1,500 firefighters from across France, supported by significant aerial resources (four Canadair aircraft and two Dash aircraft), battling these two exceptional wildfires. As announced by the Minister of the Interior, 3 aircraft, 200 firefighters and 11 additional heavy-duty fire engines will be deployed from this evening.
A total of more than 16,000 people have been evacuated, following further evacuations today in the Landiras area. Emergency accommodation centres have been set up thanks to the efforts of accredited civil protection organisations and local councillors to accommodate them, although the vast majority of these people have found accommodation themselves. Despite the scale of these fires, there have been no casualties.
La Teste-de-Buch
- 3,900 hectares of forest have been burnt in La Teste-de-Buch and a total of 10,000 people have been evacuated since the start of the crisis. The situation has worsened, as the fire has reached the coast and is now spreading southwards. Its advance has been slowed by the efforts of the fire service.
The D218 departmental road remains closed between the Pilat roundabout and Biscarrosse-Plage.
Landiras
9,000 hectares have been burnt in Landiras, in the Langon district. 2,100 people in the commune of Cabanac-et-Villagrains were evacuated this afternoon, bringing the total number of people evacuated since the start of the crisis to 6,200. Two new accommodation centres have been opened in Langon, and the one in Saucats has been closed.
The situation remains critical and is deteriorating, with the fire spreading along various fronts due to shifting winds. Work to create firebreaks is continuing.
Many roads remain closed
The list is available at the department’s website. Fabienne BUCCIO, Prefect of Gironde, is asking everyone to exercise the utmost caution, and reminds the public that the Gironde department remains on RED alert for forest fires. Access to the department’s woodlands is temporarily prohibited.
The worsening fire situation is being exacerbated by extreme weather conditions. In light of the weather forecast for the coming days, the Gironde department has been placed on red alert for an extreme heatwave from 12 noon on Monday 18 July until 6 am on Tuesday 19 July.
Red heatwave alert
Government departments and local authorities (mayors, health, social and medical-social care organisations, and emergency services) are taking action to implement the departmental heatwave plan. The Prefect is calling on everyone, and in particular the most vulnerable, to remain vigilant and to follow the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
In view of the health and fire safety risks, all public events held outdoors and in non-air-conditioned premises open to the public are prohibited during this ‘red alert’ period. Other measures already in place (continuity of care, provision of air-conditioned premises, home support services for vulnerable people living alone) are being stepped up.
Press briefings will be held tomorrow at 9.00 am with the sub-prefect of Langon at the Villandraut emergency operations centre and at 10.00 am with the sub-prefect of Arcachon at the La-Teste-de-Buch emergency operations centre