A major fire is underway in the Pyrénées-Orientales near Castelnou, 440 hectares covered, two firefighters injured

Some 800 firefighters are mobilized, they are supported by several aerial vehicles.

The major fire in the Aspres massif in the Pyrénées-Orientales has not yet been determined, Colonel Eric Belgioino, director of the Pyrénées-Orientales Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (Sdis 66), said on France Bleu Roussillon on Thursday evening, September 12. “The fire is still spreading”specifies Eric Belgioino, but it is “a little less intense”. Around 440 hectares have already been burned, according to the prefecture.

The fire broke out around 3 p.m., according to the Pyrénées-Orientales prefecture. The village of Castelnou was partially evacuated around 5 p.m. The thirty or so tourists present in the village were evacuated, the firefighter said. “The rest of the population [50 résidents à l’année] were confined.” There were no casualties, according to Eric Belgioino. But two firefighters were slightly injured and taken to hospital.

Around 440 hectares of vegetation have been covered and 300 have been burned, according to the Sdis 66. The flames are being fanned by a strong tramontane wind blowing in gusts of 70 to 80 km/h. A few isolated farmhouses in Caixas and Montauriol have had to be evacuated, one of which was hit by the flames. However, the Sdis 66 states that “recognitions” will be made on this farm to evaluate “the nature of the damage”. The prefect’s chief of staff mentions a fire “very violent”. According to him, this fire is “five times larger than that of Villelongue-dels-Monts” on August 24th.

Caixas, Montauriol and Camélas, are not “more affected by fire”specifies Ludovic Julia. In these municipalities, the town halls have activated the municipal safeguard plan to accommodate the evacuated residents. “All the school groups in the area have been grouped together in the commune of Thuir”explains the prefect’s chief of staff on franceinfo.

By 11pm, 800 firefighters are engaged to fight the fire. Firefighters come from the Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, Montpellier, Nîmes, Marseille and even Bordeaux. These firefighters are supported by several aerial vehicles, including two water bomber helicopters, five Dash planes, seven Canadairs and two Air Tractors. A Dash is expected from Corsica.

The firefighters are calling on the population not to drive in the area. The RD48 is closed to traffic in both directions to facilitate rescue operations and the evacuation of residents. The RD2 is also closed.