Two firefighters lost their lives on Tuesday 21 July whilst battling a building fire in Mérignac, in Gironde. The announcement was made by the Minister for the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, before the National Assembly, without providing any further details on the circumstances of the tragedy.
“I have just learnt from the Prefect of Gironde that two firefighters have died whilst fighting a fire in Mérignac – a building fire,” said the minister. “My thoughts are very much with these two firefighters and their families, and I will visit the scene as soon as possible.”
A large-scale emergency response
The fire, which broke out near Mérignac Airport, has required the deployment of significant resources. Two Civil Protection aircraft, stationed at the site, have been deployed to contain the flames. According to the town hall, contacted by BFMTV, between 6 and 8 hectares of scrubland have gone up in smoke. For the time being, no homes are under threat, but the fire brigade remains on alert to prevent the fire from spreading.
Local authorities and the emergency services are coordinating their efforts to bring the fire under control and secure the area. An investigation will be launched to determine the causes of the fire and the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two firefighters.