Firefighters from Gironde and Landes, supported by reinforcements from other departments and significant aerial resources, are battling the fire that broke out in Saint-Magne and has, as of now, burnt more than 6,000 hectares of forest.
The evacuation of the village of Beliet (around 2,500 people) is currently underway. This brings the total number of people evacuated to nearly 8,000. Reception centres have been set up in the towns of Salles, Saint Symphorien and Le Barp. No injuries have been reported.
Public Information Unit: The Prefecture has set up a public information helpline, which can be reached on 0800 713 633 from 8 am to 8 pm.
Psychological support unit: A counselling service can be contacted on the freephone number 0800 719 912.
Recreational boating: Boating is prohibited throughout the Gironde section of the Cazaux lake, situated in the municipality of La Teste-de-Buch. Boating and recreational water sports are prohibited on the River Leyre between the boundary separating the municipalities of Mios and Salles and the boundary of the Gironde department.
Road network: The A63 motorway is closed between the A660 junction (Arcachon – 33) and Exit 9 (Saint-Geours-de-Maremne – 40). The diversion is via the A65.
Air quality: Air quality in the departments concerned is monitored regularly, which makes it possible, in particular, to assess the effects of potential exposure to the fine particulate matter emitted by the fires. As a matter of priority, evacuations were carried out in the immediate vicinity of the fires.
In the most remote areas affected by forest fire smoke, the recommendations for everyone to avoid irritation are as follows:
- limit the time spent outdoors,
- limit strenuous physical activity outdoors,
- keep a close eye on those at risk.
Martin GUESPEREAU, the Prefect responsible for defence and security in the south-west region, is asking local residents not to visit the various incident sites so as not to hinder the work of the emergency services. He urges everyone to exercise the utmost caution and reminds them that the entire Gironde department is on RED alert for the risk of forest fires due to the weather conditions.