Landes Fire Reignites, Forcing Evacuation of 650 People

A forest fire in the Landes region of France flared up again early Saturday morning, prompting the evacuation of an additional 100 people, bringing the total evacuated to 650. The blaze, which began Thursday, has now consumed an estimated 1,600 hectares.

Officials reported that the fire's progression had been more favorable earlier in the night, but it reactivated around 4:30 a.m. in an area that is difficult for firefighters to access. This challenging terrain requires a substantial commitment of resources.

Gilles Clavreul, the prefect of Landes, stated that two more sectors might require evacuation if the fire spreads further. Firefighters are concentrating their efforts on the difficult-to-access area, and aerial support, including a Chinook helicopter and Canadair water bombers, has been requested.

Colonel Arnaud Fabre, director of the Landes Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS), described the situation as complicated due to access issues, necessitating the deployment of a large portion of their forces. He noted that the fire was contained with significant effort but the reactivation overnight presented new difficulties.

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«On a sollicité à nouveau le décollage du Chinook, de Canadair et d’autres moyens aériens»,