Forest fire in Pyrénées-Orientales: 4,600 hectares burned, tens of thousands brought to safety – Impact on the Tour de France

Perpignan – 06.07.2026: A large-scale forest fire north of Perpignan, ongoing since the weekend, has spread across around 4,600 hectares of vegetation and led to large-scale evacuations, according to authorities. The Pyrénées-Orientales prefecture confirmed overnight from Sunday to Monday that several municipalities had been evacuated as a precaution. More than 10,000 people in total had to leave their homes or were taken to safe areas. Initially, no injuries were reported, but emergency services warned of continued danger due to shifting winds and high temperatures.

The fire is believed to have first broken out in the Trévillach area and quickly spread due to dry ground and strong winds. At times, the fire front stretched over several kilometres. Hundreds of firefighters from the department and neighbouring regions fought throughout the night, supported by specialist units from the Sécurité civile, to contain new outbreaks. In the morning, additional firefighting aircraft and helicopters were deployed to cool hard-to-reach slopes and scrubland and to contain the fire lines.

The prefecture called on residents to strictly comply with roadblocks, keep access routes clear for emergency convoys and leave shelters only after being notified by authorities. Several emergency shelters were set up, including sports halls in the affected municipalities. Power grids and road connections were disrupted in places; on Monday morning, emergency services inspected damaged lines and the safety of several transport routes. Schools near the fire area were closed or provided emergency care.

Interior Minister Laurent Núñez announced that he would visit the area in the afternoon. He wants to discuss the situation and the need for further support with the prefecture and fire service leadership. The minister recalled that the wildfire season nationwide has so far been much more severe than in the previous year. Authorities stressed that protecting human lives is the priority; securing buildings and infrastructure will follow.

Professional motorsport has also not escaped the effects: the third stage of the Tour de France was adjusted due to smoke and the partial closure of the region. Organisers and the Gendarmerie coordinated routes to keep emergency service corridors operational. Spectators were asked to stay away from the fire area and not create additional risks by parking on access roads. Depending on wind direction, further last-minute changes may be necessary.

Meteorological services forecast continued dry conditions over the next few hours, although winds are expected to ease somewhat. Firefighters expect post-fire suppression efforts to be difficult and warn that hotspots could reignite at any time. The prefecture will provide updates during the day on evacuations, the gradual return of residents and the situation on major transport routes.