A fire has been reported in the town of Argelès-sur-Mer, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department (66).
6.30 pm – An updated report has been issued by the SDIS 66 fire service: 10 hectares affected. 114 firefighters deployed. Nine water drops from the water-bombing helicopter (HBE); 200 people accounted for at three campsites.
Three outbuildings have been destroyed. The RD 914 remains closed in the Perpignan–Cerbère direction. The fire has been brought under control.
5.00 pm - Three forest fire response teams, two urban fire brigades and a water-bombing helicopter were mobilised at around 4 pm due to the unpredictable wind conditions and the proximity of Bourquin High School.
The flames posed a direct threat to two campsites, Al Sol and La Pinède, and led to the evacuation of 70 people in the first instance and 95 in the second.
4.30 pm - 114 firefighters were at the scene, and the flames spread across 3 hectares, destroying two farm sheds. The D114 was closed near Elne, but the situation was under control.
4.16 pm - More than a hundred firefighters were deployed.
3.47 pm - Several photos have been posted on social media.
3.40 pm - Average wind speed: 25 km/h. Gusts: 47 km/h.
3.35 pm - several resources deployed by the SDIS 66 fire service.
3.15 pm - The fire has been confirmed. It is believed to be near the D914, close to junction 10.
For your own safety, please avoid the area and ensure that the emergency services can gain access.