According to the media Midi Libre, no fewer than 300 firefighters have been deployed to the scene to tackle a fire in Aubais (Gard) this Sunday. As the fire spreads towards Gallargues-le-Montueux, 200 hectares are reported to have been burnt. Significant resources have been mobilised to tackle the fire: five Canadair aircraft and two Dash aircraft. Another wildfire has also broken out near the town of Lattes at Mas de Saporta.
8.15 pm: Four firefighters injured
The four firefighters injured in the fire are from the Vauvert fire station. Three sustained minor injuries and were taken to Alès General Hospital. He is a 55-year-old volunteer firefighter from Vauverde who suffered the most severe burns to his face and hands and was treated at Montpellier University Hospital.
The firefighters were responding in their CCF vehicle (forest fire tanker) alongside another crew from the Hérault when they were surrounded by flames. The safety system that allows water to be discharged worked, but for reasons as yet unknown, the four firefighters were injured. To show his support, the president of the Gard SDIS, Alexandre Pissas, visited the scene of the fire on Sunday evening.
Furthermore, the Autonome trade union has also used social media to express its support for the dedicated firefighters of Vaud, “who are making a significant sacrifice in the fight against fires”.
🚨🔥The Autonomes are giving their full support to their firefighter colleagues—#firefighters the injured people of Vauverdois, who are now paying a heavy price in the fight against #fires in our department.
— SDIS du Gard Independent Trade Union (@SASPP_PATS_30) 31 July 2022
Courage and dedication are more relevant now than ever. #Gard #Aubais