Large-scale firefighting operation in the Loire: more than 250 firefighters deployed to battle forest fires

Saint-Just-la-Pendue – 27 June 2026: On Saturday afternoon, 27 June 2026, a major wildfire broke out in the municipality of Saint-Just-la-Pendue. The fire destroyed around 100 hectares of stubble fields and threatened adjacent residential areas. An emergency call was received at 2:00 p.m., and 155 firefighters from around twenty fire stations in the region were mobilized as quickly as possible. A firefighting helicopter and two drones were also deployed.

Firefighting operations were complicated by extreme drought and high temperatures. Firefighters worked tirelessly to stop the spread of the blaze and protect the affected areas. The exact cause of the fire is currently unknown.

A fire was also reported in the neighboring municipality of Sainte-Colombe-sur-Gand, where it spread rapidly and prompted the deployment of a large number of firefighting forces. In total, 37 vehicles and 110 firefighters from 21 fire stations in the Loire were mobilized to combat this major fire. Due to the rapid spread of the flames, residents of nearby villages were asked to leave their homes.

These events occurred amid a historic heatwave affecting the entire Loire department. Temperatures reached peak values of up to 39.2 °C, significantly increasing the risk of fires. As a result, the prefecture declared the highest alert level in the department and banned the lighting of fires in open areas.

Firefighters were assisted by farmers, who helped contain the fire using tractors and water tanks. This cooperation between the fire service and the agricultural sector was crucial to bringing the fire under control and preventing more extensive damage.

The municipality of Saint-Just-la-Pendue recently opened a new fire station costing €1.4 million. The modern facility played a key role during the current firefighting operations and highlights the importance of investment in local fire safety infrastructure.

Despite the intensive efforts of emergency services and support from local residents, the fire could not be completely extinguished. Firefighters continue to work to fight remaining hotspots and prevent the fire from spreading further. Authorities stated that the situation would remain under close monitoring and that additional resources would be deployed if necessary.

The events in the Loire illustrate the growing danger of wildfires under extreme weather conditions. Cooperation between the fire service, farmers, and the local community is crucial to overcoming such disasters and ensuring the safety of affected settlements.