Wildfire in Lozère, France, Burns 180 Hectares, Forces Hamlet Evacuation

A wildfire in the department of Lozère, in southeastern France, has consumed 180 hectares and led to the evacuation of a small hamlet. The fire, which started for an undetermined reason around 4:40 PM on Wednesday in the locality of Le Thort, commune of Prévenchères, is being battled by emergency services.

Fueled by easterly winds with gusts up to 30 km/h, the fire threatened the hamlet of Alzons, prompting the evacuation of about twenty houses. Colonel Frédéric Lhomme, director of the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service of Lozère (Sdis48), confirmed the evacuations. One firefighter was injured, suffering second-degree burns to his hands and legs.

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The fire threatened the hamlet of Alzons, whose twenty houses had to be evacuated.

Around 130 firefighters from Lozère and Ardèche are deployed, assisted by significant aerial means. Reinforcements are anticipated from Hérault and Gard, which will increase the total number of personnel mobilized to 250. Fire officials confirmed that the Roujanel solar park, the largest in Occitanie and located in Prévenchères, was not threatened by the flames.

The incident occurs amidst ongoing wildfires in southeastern France, highlighting concerns about climate change and its impact on forest ecosystems. The efforts to contain the Lozère fire involve a coordinated response from multiple departments and substantial resources.

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The injured firefighter suffers from second-degree burns to his hands and legs.