The fire broke out on Thursday at around 4.00 pm in the town of Tréhorenteuc (Morbihan), before spreading rapidly towards Paimpont (Ille-et-Vilaine), destroying nearly 120 hectares of vegetation. According to the prefecture, the fire was brought under control at 11.30 pm. The operation mobilised more than 335 firefighters and numerous aerial resources, including a Dash 8 and an Air Tractor. The Vannes Meucon helicopter base was activated to support the water-dropping operations.
Weather conditions, characterised by severe drought and strong winds, have helped the fire to spread. Whilst no homes were directly threatened, several roads were closed and the authorities urged people to avoid the area to facilitate the work of the emergency services. Drones were used overnight to locate any remaining hotspots.
An iconic forest struck once again
This is not the first time that the Forest of Brocéliande, a major tourist and mythological attraction, has been ravaged by fire. In August 2022, 400 hectares were destroyed. This latest fire has reignited concerns about the growing vulnerability of Brittany’s forests to wildfires, a situation exacerbated by climate change.
In light of this risk, the Ille-et-Vilaine Prefecture has issued a temporary order prohibiting access to wooded areas and heathland in several municipalities until Friday evening. This is a vital preventative measure at the height of the tourist season.
For further information:
- See the real-time forest fire monitoring map
- Check the Today’s fire alert level
- Find out more with the forest weather