Update at 10.15 pm. The fire broke out on Saturday 26 July 2025, at around 1.45 pm, in the town of Sigean, in the Aude department. The fire quickly spread through an area of scrubland and dry vegetation, fanned by strong winds of up to 70 km/h.
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How extensive is the damage?
According to the latest information provided by the Aude Prefecture, the fire has spread across more than 600 hectares. Two homes have been damaged in Sigean. There were no serious injuries, but three firefighters suffered minor smoke inhalation whilst carrying out their duties.
What evacuations took place?
The local emergency plan has been activated in Sigean. Around ten homes have been evacuated, and the residents have been temporarily accommodated in a local sports hall. By late afternoon, some of them had been able to return to their homes.
As the fire moved towards Port-la-Nouvelle, the prefecture ordered, as a precautionary measure, the evacuation of two campsites and a housing estate in the municipalities of Port-la-Nouvelle and La Palme.
What resources are being deployed?
The fire prompted an exceptional response:
- 630 firefighters
- 6 Canadair aircraft
- 4 dashes
- 2 water-bombing helicopters
- 1 reconnaissance aircraft
Police officers have been deployed to secure the evacuation zones and manage traffic, which has been disrupted on several major roads.
What impact will this have on the roads and traffic?
Departmental Road 6009 has been closed to traffic. The A9 motorway, which is very busy at this time of year, has remained open, but significant traffic jams have been reported, particularly due to holidaymakers leaving the area.
What are the weather conditions?
Météo-France had issued an orange alert for Saturday 26 July due to a high risk of fire. The region is experiencing drought conditions, intense heat and strong winds.
This fire comes after another blaze had already ravaged 2,100 hectares near Narbonne on 7 July.