the fires are progressing, European countries are taking action

Around Landiras, the flames continue to ravage the forest. Firefighters feared the worst. In the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, more than 5,000 hectares had burned. This morning, it’s much less. The prefecture announces 600 hectares. A surface which remains important.

The fire is still not under control. On site, the firefighters are very vigilant, reports our special correspondent, Stephane Duguet. They know that the situation is unpredictable. In July, already in Landiras, they had succeeded in fixing the fire, that is to say in stopping its progression. The fire had buried itself in places. But because of the very hot weather, the very dry ground and the absence of rain, it eventually resurfaced. The Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin and the spokesperson for civil security do not exclude that in the area, the fire could have resumed because of arsonists.

On the ground, firefighters observe a fire with unusual behavior. Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Mendousse who is in Gironde explains that this fire is spreading in all directions. And not just downwind. Which makes the fight even more difficult. Thanks to their work, no other homes have burned down yet. The fire threatens several municipalities. It destroyed 17 houses in the town of Belin-Béliet. For the 10,000 people evacuated, it is currently impossible to return home.

This Thursday, several fires continue to progress in France: in the Jura, in Drôme, Isère, Maine-et-Loire, Aveyron and Lozère, not to mention multiple departures throughout the country. On average, 10,000 hectares go up in smoke each year in France. This week, the 50,000 hectare mark was exceeded. Climatologists invoke the generalized drought throughout France and which had already started in June. Added to this were heat waves, which, again, are not confined to the south of France.

► To listen also: Spread of fires in France: “This summer is certainly a preview of the years to come”

European reinforcements

Faced with this situation, France called for help and several European countries announced the dispatch of reinforcements within the framework of the EU civil protection mechanism (see box). Poland has announced that it will send 146 firefighters to help in the south. Germany is sending 64 firefighters and 24 vehicles. Four planes from the European Union’s firefighting fleet were also sent from Greece and Sweden, according to the European Commission.

Traveling to Gironde this Thursday, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced human and air reinforcements. Two new water bomber helicopters will be deployed by the end of the week, increasing their number to eleven. The head of government confirmed the arrival of European resources: Greek Canadairs, Swedish planes, as well as land resources from Austria and Romania, in addition to those sent by Germany and Poland.

Elisabeth Borne also indicated that ” a new national plan for adaptation to climate change will be put together at the start of the school year “. ” We must continue more than ever to fight against climate change and also continue (…) to adapt to this climate change. “, she insisted.