Wildfire in the Pyrénées-Orientales: 4,600 hectares burned, tens of thousands evacuated — impact on the Tour de France

Perpignan – 06.07.2026: A major wildfire that broke out north of Perpignan over the weekend has burned around 4,600 hectares of vegetation and led to widespread evacuations, according to authorities. The prefecture of Pyrénées-Orientales confirmed that several villages were evacuated as a precaution early Monday morning. More than 10,000 residents in total left their homes or were directed to safe areas. No injuries were initially reported, but emergency services warned of ongoing risks due to changing winds and high temperatures.

According to initial reports, the fire appears to have started near Trévillach and spread rapidly due to dry ground and strong gusts. At times, the fire front stretched for several kilometers. Hundreds of firefighters from the department and neighboring areas, supported by Sécurité civile special units, fought new flare-ups throughout the night. In the morning, additional firefighting aircraft and helicopters were requested to cool difficult-to-access slopes and scrubland and maintain containment lines.

The prefecture asked residents to strictly comply with restricted areas, keep access routes clear for emergency services, and leave shelters only in consultation with authorities. Temporary shelters were set up in several locations, some of them in sports halls in affected areas. Power and road connections were disrupted in sections, and emergency services inspected damaged power lines and the safety of some roads on Monday morning. Schools near the fire were closed or provided emergency childcare.

Interior Minister Laurent Núñez announced a visit to the site in the afternoon. Together with the prefecture and fire commanders, he is expected to discuss the situation and the need for further support. The minister noted that this wildfire season is considerably more severe nationwide than last year. Authorities emphasized that protecting lives remains the top priority, followed by securing buildings and infrastructure.

The professional cycling race was also affected: Stage 3 of the Tour de France was altered due to smoke and restrictions in parts of the area. Organizers and the gendarmerie coordinated detours to keep routes clear for emergency services. Spectators were asked to keep well away from the fire area and not park on access roads, thereby creating additional risks. Further short-term changes may be necessary depending on wind direction.

Weather authorities forecast that dry conditions will continue in the coming hours, although winds are expected to weaken somewhat. Firefighters anticipate difficult post-extinguishment work and warned that fire hotspots could flare up again at any time. The prefecture is expected to provide updates during the day on the evacuation situation, phased returns home, and conditions on major routes.