The fire ravaging the northern Arcachon Basin grew considerably on Thursday evening. Starting the previous day at midday in Saumos, the fire crossed the forest towards Le Porge before reaching the outlying area of Lège-Cap-Ferret. By 9:30 p.m., the fire had consumed 4,800 hectares and nearly 20,000 residents and vacationers had been evacuated.
The flames are entering inhabited neighborhoods.
Driven by shifting winds and fueled by extremely dry vegetation, the fire front intensified significantly as it approached Lège. Firefighters had to defend homes one by one as flames engulfed several residential areas. An initial preliminary assessment indicates that six houses have likely burned down. No residents were injured, but a firefighter suffered a fracture when a gas installation exploded. Several explosions heard in the town were reportedly caused by gas cylinders catching fire. The Lège-Cap-Ferret town hall and several housing developments were evacuated as a matter of urgency. The town's cemetery was also affected by the fire. The elderly residents of the Les Tchanqués nursing home were transferred to suitable facilities during the afternoon.
Nearly 20,000 residents and holidaymakers evacuated
The evacuations affected the towns of Saumos, Le Porge, Le Temple, and Lège-Cap-Ferret. Several campsites and holiday resorts were emptied, including a campsite in Claouey that accommodated approximately 3,500 people. Residents and vacationers still in the villages of Le Four, Les Jacquets, Petit Piquey, and Grand Piquey were asked to leave the peninsula as soon as possible, so as not to obstruct emergency vehicles. Around fifteen reception centers were opened in neighboring towns to accommodate displaced people. Authorities are asking the public not to travel to the area and to strictly limit their movements. People planning a stay in Cap-Ferret in the coming days are urged to check the situation before their departure. Boating is also discouraged near the coasts affected by smoke and rescue operations.
800 firefighters engaged in a nighttime battle
Around 800 firefighters are now mobilized. They have hundreds of vehicles at their disposal, including specialized equipment for fighting forest fires and protecting homes. Reinforcements from several departments, notably the Île-de-France region, have joined the teams in the Gironde department. More than 200 gendarmes are also participating in evacuations and securing roads. During the day, operations were supported by Canadair water bombers, Air Tractors, a Dash 8, and a reconnaissance aircraft. Nightfall forced the water bomber aircraft to cease their rotations, leaving ground crews to deal with flare-ups and the advancing blaze alone. France has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism. Three additional water bomber aircraft are to be deployed to bolster the operation when conditions allow for the resumption of aerial firefighting.
A probably accidental origin
The fire was reported on Wednesday, July 22nd, near Saumos. Initial findings suggest an accidental origin, but the investigation will need to determine the precise circumstances of the blaze. The fire spread very rapidly through a particularly dry pine forest, with numerous embers being scattered and capable of igniting new fires at a distance.
Weather conditions remain unfavorable. The heat, parched soil, and shifting winds are complicating the construction of stable defensive lines. Another heat wave is expected in the Southwest on Friday, with temperatures potentially reaching nearly 40°C in some areas.
A second fire breaks out in the Landes region
At the same time, another fire spread rapidly between Biscarrosse and Sanguinet, in the neighboring Landes department. In just a few hours, the area burned increased from 200 to 1,200 hectares. Approximately 5,000 people were evacuated as a precaution.
Nearly 250 firefighters were deployed to this second front. Before nightfall, they were supported by two Canadair water bombers, a Dash 8, and a Dragon helicopter. The simultaneous outbreak of fires in the Gironde, Landes, and Var departments is mobilizing a significant portion of national resources, with the night expected to be crucial around Lège-Cap-Ferret.
