The fire, which broke out at around 4.40 pm at a place known as Chez Goureau in the municipality of Saint-Vallier, quickly spread through a forest area that was particularly vulnerable due to the drought and strong winds. Within a few hours, the flames had crossed the Brossac road and the high-speed rail line – leading to the closure of the latter – and were heading towards Bardenac. The steep terrain of the area is hampering the firefighters’ efforts, as they are confronted with flames several metres high and thick black smoke visible from kilometres away.
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Early this evening, the Charente Prefecture reported that 230 hectares destroyed according to the Charente-Libre. To prevent the virus from spreading at night, no more than 100 additional firefighters Reinforcements from Occitanie, the Landes and the Dordogne are expected to arrive, whilst the aerial resources – including three DASH aircraft and four Canadairs – will have to cease operations as night falls.
Exceptional resources deployed
In light of this situation, which has been described as “unfavourable”, the prefecture has mobilised the departmental operations centre to coordinate all the services. On the ground, more than 100 firefighters and dozens of vehicles are now working to contain the fire. A Puma helicopter has been deployed to bolster the aerial response, carrying out multiple water drops over the most critical areas.
For the time being, no homes are directly at risk, but the prefecture is calling on residents to avoid the area and follow the instructions issued by the authorities. Rail services are being diverted onto standard lines, ensuring that journeys can continue despite the closure of the high-speed line on the section in question.
The current conditions – strong winds, high temperatures and dry vegetation – are particularly conducive to fires that spread rapidly and are difficult to bring under control. The authorities fear the fires may spread significantly overnight and are closely monitoring how the blazes develop.
To follow the situation and developments in real time live fire map as well as the fire alert level in the region.