Landes Fire That Ravaged 1,700 Hectares Is 'Fixed'; Half of Evacuees Can Return Home

Authorities announced Monday morning that a wildfire that ravaged 1,700 hectares in the heart of the Landes forest since Thursday has been "fixed." This means the fire has stopped spreading, and approximately half of the 650 residents evacuated will be allowed to return home.

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The situation evolved very favorably overnight. The fire has not progressed. Nevertheless, I repeat, 'fixed' does not mean 'extinguished.'

"The situation evolved very favorably overnight. The fire has not progressed. Nevertheless, I repeat, 'fixed' does not mean 'extinguished,'" stated Stéphanie Monteuil, the secretary-general of the prefecture for the southwestern department, to the press. She emphasized the need for continued vigilance.

The positive development allows about 250 residents of Luglon, a village of 350 people where the fire originated on Thursday, to return home starting at 10 a.m. "It's good, we can go home!" exclaimed Philippe Dassy, a 67-year-old bus driver, expressing relief after receiving the news from his mayor. He is preparing to return with his wife and two children, feeling no fear thanks to the firefighters' efforts.

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It's good, we can go home!

"No buildings have been destroyed, no houses destroyed," Monteuil confirmed. However, she noted that the landscapes have been impacted, and "life will certainly not be the same today as it was five days ago." Around 350 firefighters, down from a peak of 550, will continue their work on Monday with the objective of fully extinguishing the blaze, though Monteuil cautioned, "We are not there at all yet."

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No buildings have been destroyed, no houses destroyed.