The two fires which have destroyed more than 20,000 hectares of forest in Gironde since July 12 have not progressed for the second night in a row, the prefecture of New Aquitaine said on Friday July 22, specifying that “
significant means
remained engaged.
"
No change in the areas burned last night on the fires of Teste-de-Buch and Landiras
", said the prefect, Fabienne Buccio, in a press release.
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Many evacuees return to their homes
Since the start of the fires ten days ago, nearly 37,000 residents and holidaymakers had been forced to pack their bags urgently as a preventive measure.
Faced with the lull, 6,000 evacuees were able to return to their homes on Thursday afternoon, 3,500 in Teste-de-Buch as well as 2,500 in the Landiras sector, in Cabanac-et-Villagrains, Budos and Saint-Magne.
The firefighters were able to continue "
the treatment of the edges and hot spots
" during the night, operations which must continue this Friday, the firefighters told the press.
About 2,000 firefighters, four Canadairs and two helicopters are still engaged on the two fires.
On Wednesday, they had managed to stop the progression of the two fires, in particular thanks to more favorable weather, with lower temperatures and more humid air.
Friday's conditions remain "
rather favorable
" according to firefighters but "
vigilance will be required in relation to the wind which could pick up in the afternoon
".
Firefighters have not yet declared the fires fixed.
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"
The decision to announce that they are fixed will come after an evaluation by Sdis
", underlined Fabienne Buccio on France Bleu Gironde, adding that the fight would last "
still a long time
".
The prefecture called on all residents on Thursday to "
be patient
".
"
We won't take any risks.
The priority is the safety of the inhabitants
, ”said the mayor of Teste-de-Buch, Patrick Davet.
On the passage of the blaze there are still “
smokers
”, incandescent hot spots which smoke and which can cause resumption of fire if they are not cooled.
