A major wildfire has been reported in the commune of Saint-André, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department. For your own safety, please avoid the area and ensure that emergency services can reach the scene easily.
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END OF FOLLOW-UP - Situation under control
TUESDAY 15 AUGUST
3.10 pm
Read the article: Fire in the Pyrénées-Orientales: the causes remain unknown, key points raised
12.00
7.00 am - Some good news this morning! The fire has now been brought under control thanks to the work of the firefighters last night. Fire-suppression operations are currently underway.
MONDAY 14 AUGUST
11.30 pm - The fire is still not under control. The firefighters are in for a long and tough night’s work.
10.45 pm - “The situation is starting to improve,” announced Rodrigue Furcy, the Prefect of the Pyrénées-Orientales department, during a press briefing shortly after 10.30 pm. The fire has not yet been brought under control.
10.25 pm - Two forest fire tankers (CCF) were surrounded by flames. One vehicle was destroyed, whilst the other was rescued after a distress call was made. The crews of both vehicles are unharmed.
10.20 pm - The local emergency response plan for Saint-André, Sorède and Argelès-sur-Mer has been activated. Four venues have now been opened to accommodate evacuees in Argelès-sur-Mer, as well as a sports hall in Saint-André.
10.15 pm - SDIS 11 is providing an additional GIFF. The Marseille Firefighters’ Battalion (BMPM) is also sending reinforcements. They are expected to arrive this evening.
10.00 pm - According to the latest figures, more than 480 hectares are believed to have been burnt.
9.40 pm - According to Perpignan News, a 13-year-old boy was found alone in a car park, surrounded by smoke. Fortunately, his life is no longer in danger.
9.35 pm - The four campsites that have been evacuated are:
- Les Chênes Rouges in Argelès-sur-Mer
- Le Romarin in Argelès-sur-Mer
- The Enchanted Pine Forest in Saint-André
- Al Sol in Argelès-sur-Mer
Furthermore, at the Les Chênes Rouges campsite in Argelès-sur-Mer, around 50 mobile homes – equivalent to around 30 per cent of the site’s capacity – were destroyed.
9.30 pm - Air support is gradually being withdrawn. Ground crews will now be on their own as they attempt to contain this fire.
9.15 pm - According to L’Indépendant, 300 hectares have so far been affected by the fire, as well as numerous homes.
9.00 pm - The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, has just posted a response on X, formerly Twitter:
“A particularly violent fire is currently raging in the Pyrénées-Orientales. I urge the public and holidaymakers to exercise the utmost caution. Significant resources have been deployed: 13 aircraft, 3 helicopters and over 500 firefighters. My thoughts are with them. ”
8.55 pm - The Civil Protection Agency has announced that 8 Canadair, 3 Dash and 3 HBE aircraft are currently being deployed to tackle this fire.
8.45 pm - A unit from SDIS 13 and a second unit from SDIS 34 are reportedly being deployed to provide reinforcements for SDIS 66, 11 and 34, which are already at the scene of this violent fire.
8.40 pm - According to our information, at least two fire engines have been burnt out, but the crew are safe and sound. The fire shows no sign of abating.
8.25 pm - At least 3,000 residents of Saint-André have been evacuated
8.20 pm - One Spanish Canadair aircraft is reportedly en route to help contain this major fire, which broke out at around 6.00 pm on Monday.
8.10 pm - According to our information, three campsites have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
8.00 pm - As indicated below, the columns from the Aude and Hérault departments are now on site.
7.20 pm - According to the latest reports, 50 hectares have been devastated. Nearly 300 firefighters are on the scene, with reinforcements being mobilised in the Aude and Hérault departments. Winds in the area are particularly strong, with gusts of up to 70 km/h and high temperatures, which are helping the fire to spread.
7.00 pm - More than 230 firefighters are currently on the scene. A house and several vehicles have been engulfed by the flames. Damage has been reported.
6.50 pm - Evacuations are currently taking place. According to witnesses, several explosions can be heard in Forest Fires, it would appear to be gas cylinders exploding.
If you are near the incident, you must follow the advice of the local authorities. Do not panic; stay indoors unless otherwise advised. Follow the social media accounts of the Pyrénées-Orientales Prefecture and the SDIS 66 fire service.
6.45 pm - The fire is raging. According to a local councillor, 20 hectares have been destroyed and the fire is said to be threatening several vulnerable areas. Residents are asked to follow the authorities’ advice. There is reportedly a campsite near the fire.
6.00 pm - A major fire was reported in the late afternoon in the commune of Saint-André (66). Numerous resources from SDIS 66 are at the scene, supported by two Milan helicopters from the Civil Protection service.
>> More information to follow…