A severe fire broke out on 22 July in the commune of Saumos, in Gironde, before spreading towards Le Porge and then Lège-Cap-Ferret. To date, the fire has burnt across more than 2,000 hectares, with no injuries reported.
The weather conditions and the intensity of the flames are making the situation particularly difficult for the emergency services.
500 firefighters deployed on the front line
Nearly 500 firefighters are currently battling to contain the blaze, in conditions made difficult by the rapid spread of the flames. Firefighters from Gironde, backed up by reinforcements from other departments, are working tirelessly to protect residential areas and woodland. Additional aerial resources are expected to arrive this morning to support the teams on the ground.
10,000 people evacuated as a precautionary measure
As the fire spread, the authorities ordered the precautionary evacuation of more than 10,000 people overnight. Among them were holidaymakers staying at eight holiday centres (La Grigne, La Jenny, Le Truc Vert, La Prairie, La Pinède, Le Camping aux Couleurs du Ferret, Le Grand Crohot and Brémoutier), as well as more than 1,000 residents of the wooded areas. The National Gendarmerie oversaw these operations, whilst also ensuring the protection of the evacuated areas against acts of vandalism.
Nine local authorities, including Lège-Cap-Ferret, Lacanau and Le Porge, have set up reception centres for evacuees. More than 2,500 people have found refuge there. The Prefect of Gironde, Sophie Brocas, praised the efforts of the mayors, municipal police forces, local emergency response teams and civil protection organisations, whilst urging the public to avoid the affected areas so as not to hinder the work of the emergency services.
A coordinated crisis response mechanism
The Departmental Operations Centre (COD) remains active at the prefecture, in constant contact with the local emergency response centres. The Prefect was keen to pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the firefighters, the gendarmes and all those involved in fighting this fire.