Gironde wildfire 'XXL' possibly started by clearing work near power lines

A devastating wildfire that erupted in Saumos, Gironde, France, may have been sparked by vegetation clearing operations conducted near power lines. The blaze, which has engulfed the northern part of the Arcachon basin, is under investigation.

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I arrived on site around 12:30 PM, 10 minutes after her call, and I saw a tractor on the side of the plot that was apparently there for brush clearing work on behalf of Enedis.

Sources indicate that a contractor working for Enedis, the French electricity distribution network operator, was performing clearing work close to electrical lines on Wednesday. The owner of a nearby property recounted seeing a tractor involved in this work shortly before the fire began. Two employees of the contractor, who were present, reportedly told her they saw the fire start immediately after their colleague's tractor passed and that their attempts to extinguish it with an extinguisher were unsuccessful.

Enedis confirmed the intervention of a contractor for clearing operations near power lines. The company stated that on-site teams immediately alerted emergency services and attempted to contain the flames before their arrival. Enedis added that the exact origin of the fire is not yet established but that such operations are part of safety obligations around electrical infrastructure.

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According to the information we have at this stage, the teams present on site immediately alerted the emergency services. While awaiting their arrival, they attempted to contain the flames.

In response to the extreme fire risk, the Gironde prefecture has prohibited all forestry work using thermal engines throughout the department. This measure is in place while the department remains on red alert for fires. The gendarmerie confirmed that an accidental cause is being prioritized in the investigation opened by the Bordeaux prosecutor's office.

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These clearing operations are part of the prevention and safety obligations around electrical infrastructure and aim in particular to limit the risks associated with vegetation near the lines.