The fire that broke out yesterday afternoon on the outskirts of Narbonne, at the Saint-Julien de Septime estate, has already spread over more than 2,000 hectares vegetation. This Tuesday morning, at 10 o’clock, the fire is still burning and not secured. Firefighters worked through the night to contain the spread of the flames and protect homes. At daybreak, they were once again supported by air assets.
On the ground, 1,050 firefighters, 270 fire engines, more than 20 gendarmes, 2 light helicopters, 1 command helicopter and 2 Air Tractors are deployed. The fire is still heading towards sensitive areas, justifying the continuation of the lockdown in several areas: Roches-Grises, Montplaisir, Réveillon, the Jonquières estate in Narbonne, Prat-de-Cest in Bages and Peyriac-de-Mer.
5 firefighters injured
The latest figures remain unchanged: 5 firefighters suffered minor injuries, 5 civilians taken into care, including one child. As for the buildings, a workshop and a stable were destroyed, 6 houses, a chapel and a barn were partially damaged. Two lorries were damaged on the RD6009. Three horses perished in the fire.
The energy situation remains unstable: in Port-La Nouvelle, 2,300 households are still without electricity. A community hall in Narbonne, Jacques Brel, is provided to enable devices to be recharged. Furthermore, the Sigean African Reserve is closed this Tuesday as a precaution.
Roads: rGradual reopening
Road access remains severely disrupted. The A9 motorway is currently being reopened to traffic in both directions, as is the A61 near Lézignan. The RD613 has reopened, but traffic should still be avoided throughout the area. The recycling centres in Portel-des-Corbières and Sigean are closed; the others will only be open until midday.
The prefecture is keeping an information unit on 09 70 80 90 40. The authorities are once again urging people not to do not approach of the area, Do not obstruct the emergency services, follow the instructions and don’t stop to film or take photos.