In challenging weather conditions, 700 firefighters are on duty working hard to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading towards the Cap Ferret peninsula.
2,400 hectares already gone up in smoke
Triggered Wednesday afternoon in Saumos, the fire quickly spread between Saumos and Le Porge, right in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne forest, which was already severely affected by the mega-fires of summer 2022.
According to the latest report released this Thursday morning, 2,400 hectares have already been devastated by the flames, over a fire front of about 15 kilometers. At this point, there are no reported victims or injuries.
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Nearly 12,000 people evacuated
As the fire spread, authorities evacuated nearly 12,000 residents and tourists. Among them, around 5,000 people left the forest areas of Lège-Cap-Ferret, particularly around the Grand Crohot and Truc Vert campgrounds.
The mayor of Lège-Cap-Ferret clarified that no evacuation of the entire peninsula was planned at this stage. However, vacationers who were supposed to arrive in the town this Thursday are encouraged to postpone their arrival, as the peninsula remains inaccessible from Bordeaux via several routes.
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700 firefighters mobilized to protect Cap Ferret
Emergency services are heavily deployed with 700 firefighters, 150 vehicles, and significant aerial resources including 2 Canadair, 2 Dash, and 4 Air Tractors. Additional reinforcements from Charente-Maritime also arrived this Thursday morning.
The main goal now is to protect the Grande Crohot road, viewed as a strategic defense line to prevent the flames from spreading towards the Cap Ferret peninsula.
A situation still considered unfavorable
The authorities remain particularly vigilant regarding a fire whose behavior has surprised the emergency services. Sub-prefect Jean-Louis Amat described it as a fire that is "difficult to understand," after several changes in direction throughout the night.
The situation remains unfavorable this Thursday, with a risk of the fire rekindling over the course of the day due to weather conditions. Several roads remain closed to facilitate the work of the emergency services and to ensure the safety of the population.