Forest Fire in Canet-en-Roussillon: 11 Injured, 3,000 Campers Evacuated

A forest fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, 19 August, near Canet-en-Roussillon, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of southern France. The incident left at least 11 people with minor injuries, including two firefighters. The fire, which started late on Sunday night, was eventually brought under control after several hours of firefighting efforts.

The fire was first reported at approximately 2:24 a.m. on 19 August, according to the local fire service. Strong winds, gusting up to 80 km/h, rapidly spread the blaze in the direction of the Mar Estang campsite, located just 100 metres from where the fire ignited.

As a precautionary measure, more than 3,000 holidaymakers were evacuated from the campsite, which has a capacity of 600 pitches. They were temporarily housed in nearby beach bars and a community hall in Canet-en-Roussillon, following the protocols outlined in the town’s emergency safety plan. The firefighting operation involved over 100 firefighters and 27 emergency vehicles.

Evacuation Averts Greater Catastrophe

The timely evacuation played a crucial role in preventing further casualties. Despite covering an area of two hectares and penetrating the campsite, the fire was largely contained. However, 11 individuals sustained minor injuries during the operation. According to the Pyrénées-Orientales prefecture, these injuries included two firefighters, one of whom suffered from heat exhaustion and had to be taken to Perpignan hospital for further treatment.

In addition to the health impacts, material damage was reported. A mobile home and a caravan were destroyed, while six other mobile homes were partially damaged. Three vehicles were also affected by the fire, according to a statement released by the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (Sdis 66).

The fire was fully under control by approximately 4:45 a.m., a little over two hours after it began. By 7:30 a.m., the evacuated holidaymakers had returned to the campsite. However, 20 people required alternative accommodation, most of whom were relocated to other available mobile homes within the site. The emergency response measures were officially concluded by 8:00 a.m.

Investigations Underway

Local authorities have announced that an investigation will be launched to determine the exact cause of the fire. It is not yet clear how the blaze started, but the region was already on high alert for potential wildfires due to dry conditions and strong winds. On Sunday, the Pyrénées-Orientales prefecture had warned of an elevated fire risk across several areas, including Corbières, Fenouillèdes, Albères, Aspres, and Roussillon.

With the fire now extinguished, attention has shifted to the ongoing fire risks in the region. The prefecture has issued a renewed warning, citing an “exceptional fire risk” in Corbières, Roussillon, and Albères, with the risk remaining high in Fenouillèdes and Aspres.

Broader Context of Wildfires

This incident is part of a broader trend of forest fires affecting southern France during the summer months, particularly in regions prone to dry conditions and strong winds. In recent years, the intensity and frequency of such fires have increased, often requiring extensive emergency interventions to protect lives and property.

Firefighters across the region have been stretched thin due to multiple simultaneous blazes. In neighbouring Hérault, wildfires burned over 400 hectares of forest, posing significant challenges to firefighting teams. The French authorities have remained on high alert throughout the summer season, urging citizens and tourists alike to exercise caution in fire-prone areas.

The growing threat of wildfires has also sparked discussions about the need for improved fire prevention and management strategies in the face of climate change, which is exacerbating the conditions that lead to these devastating events.