A month almost to the day after the start of the gigantic fire in Landiras (Gironde), the nightmare begins again.
The fire that broke out in Saint-Magne on Tuesday afternoon has spread on all sides, devouring more than 6,200 hectares of forest in its path and forcing the evacuation of 10,000 people in this sector of the Landes de Gascogne. .
During a press briefing on Wednesday evening, the delegate prefect for La Défense and security in the south-west zone, Martin Guespereau, indicated that the fire was still in full swing.
"The fire brought its share of surprises today in the direction it was able to take, because it generated its own wind, its own history, its own movement, and so it decided to go back north. , with two important fronts advancing towards the north”.
Throughout the day, the emergency services multiplied evacuations to avoid any disaster.
"Our priority is to save lives," insisted the prefect.
No casualties are to be deplored at this time.
However, several firefighters were injured, including one who burned his calves and who was taken to Mont-de-Marsan hospital.
Despite the all-night fight, 16 houses were damaged.
Read alsoFires in Gironde, 6200 hectares of forest devoured in 24 hours: "We have the impression of not moving forward"
The delegate prefect for La Défense and security in the south-west zone also insisted on the importance of respecting the ban on driving in the Gironde and Landes mountains.
“My last message is to call on everyone to respect the rules on enhanced red vigilance.
We are in a historic weather situation of dry air, vegetation and soil.
We are at maximum risk of starting fires.
Think of those shipwrecked people today.
So follow the rules, don't go to the Gironde and Landes mountains.
It's a ban that runs until Friday and will likely be extended.
Anyone who is spotted in the massif will be liable to a fine of 135 euros”.
Earlier in the day, the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, let it be known on Twitter that he had "decided to reinforce the means mobilized: more than 1,000 firefighters, 9 planes and 2 water bomber helicopters are engaged against the flames”.
He also called on companies that employ employees who are volunteer firefighters to let them "reach their barracks as soon as possible".
In the afternoon, the minister had reported “great suspicions” as to the fact that the resumption of fire was the work of “arsonists”.
"This morning there were eight fires between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. which started a few hundred meters apart," he said.