A major bushfire broke out on Sunday 5 October in northern Corsica, in the area around Saint-Florent and Oletta, in Haute-Corse. The fire, which was still burning at 4 pm, has already destroyed around 200 hectares, according to preliminary figures provided to Corse Matin by the Haute-Corse Fire and Rescue Service (SIS 2B).
> Follow the fire live
The first fire broke out shortly after 10 am at a place called Fromentica, in the municipality of Saint-Florent, on the western coast of Cap Corse. Fanned by gusty winds, the flames quickly spread southwards, threatening the road linking Saint-Florent to Oletta, as well as natural areas close to the coast.
The emergency services immediately deployed significant ground and air resources in an attempt to bring the fire under control. 150 firefighters, 40 fire engines and three water-bombing aircraft — including two Canadair aircraft from the mainland — are operating in the area. Defence lines have been set up around homes and key locations.
A second outbreak near Lake Padule
In the early afternoon, a A second outbreak has broken out in Oletta, near Lake Padule, situated about ten kilometres south-east of Saint-Florent. This area of scrubland and hills, which is difficult to access, is complicating ground operations. The fire is still burning there and has already spread across nearly 50 hectares.
The wind is making the operations particularly dangerous. SIS 2B teams are continuing to carry out aerial water drops to slow the spread of the fire and prevent the flames from reaching residential areas. At this stage, no homes have been affected and no casualties have been reported.
Adverse weather conditions
The situation remains tense across the whole of the Haute-Corse department. The hot, dry libecciu wind continues to blow in gusts, fanning the flames. The fire service remains fully mobilised and operations are expected to continue throughout the night to monitor the burnt areas and prevent the fires from reigniting.
At the same time, further fires were reported in Biguglia and Linguizzetta, prompting the deployment of reinforcements on several fronts. The authorities are calling on residents to utmost caution and to avoid travelling to the affected areas.