Haute-Corse: "Very virulent" wildfire breaks out between Furiani and Biguglia

A "very virulent" wildfire has erupted in Haute-Corse, France, between the communes of Furiani and Biguglia, prompting a large-scale response from emergency services. The blaze, which began around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, has already consumed more than 60 hectares of land.

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very virulent

Ninety firefighters, supported by aerial resources including a Puma Delta helicopter and a Canadair water bomber, are on the scene. A command post has been established near the Furiani town hall. The fire is reportedly split into two sections, with one spreading towards Biguglia and the other towards Furiani, where winds are described as "sometimes swirling," intensifying the danger.

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more than 60 hectares

Firefighters face significant challenges due to difficult access routes, with limited roads and tracks in the affected areas. Their priority is to contain the fire along the ridge to prevent it from spreading further towards Furiani and potentially threatening residential areas. Despite efforts, the situation remains "unfavorable," according to Commander Hervé Duvermy, who noted that the cooling effect of the night is crucial for containment, especially given the limited access for ground crews.

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The fire is split into two parts: one that spreads on the slope towards Biguglia and the other towards Furiani. It is in this commune that the fire is currently the most virulent with a 'sometimes swirling wind'. Some homes are still potentially threatened and firefighters are trying to defend these sensitive points.

While no evacuations have been ordered yet, the mayor of Biguglia is working to secure homes in the immediate vicinity. Reinforcements, including armored vehicles, are expected to aid the approximately twenty vehicles already deployed. The outlook remains "complicated," with the commander emphasizing the difficulty of fighting the blaze without aerial support and during the night.

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the situation is currently unfavorable and we are trying to contain the flanks with significant access difficulties since there are no roads or tracks. Ground and air resources are working tirelessly to hold these flanks.