Major blaze in the Pyrénées-Orientales: evacuations, over 4,600 hectares affected – air support reinforced

Pyrénées-Orientales – 07.07.2026: In the Aspres near Trévillach the forest and scrub fires have continued since the beginning of July. According to the prefecture, the flames most recently affected around 4,600 hectares of vegetation; at peak times several villages were evacuated and up to 10,000 people were temporarily cut off from access to their homes. Authorities are calling on people to strictly observe road closures and not to circumvent return bans.

The operational situation remains volatile. The fire is moving through steep, hard-to-reach terrain where gusts and downdrafts can quickly change its direction. Firefighters are focusing on protecting residential areas, agricultural land and specific infrastructure. According to the prefecture and the departmental fire service SDIS, hundreds of personnel are deployed in shifts with water tankers, bulldozers and cisterns. Firebreaks, backburning and continuous rechecks of already secured edges are intended to prevent re-ignition.

Additional air resources were requested for Tuesday and have already been partly deployed. Canadair water-bombers and helicopters of the Sécurité civile are supporting ground crews to cool hotspots and stop breakthroughs at hillside edges. Experts, however, point out that air support is only effective in close coordination with ground forces and may at times be unable to operate safely during turbulence or heavy smoke.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway. No confirmed results regarding possible negligence or technical triggers have been released so far. Meanwhile municipal services and relief organizations are arranging emergency shelters, psychological support and assistance for those affected. A few minor injuries among emergency personnel were treated; the prefecture reported no seriously injured civilians up to the time of publication. Road and rail sections near the fire front may be closed at short notice; travelers should check official channels for information.

The situation coincides with a pronounced heat and dry spell, which increases the risk of vegetation fires. Experts warn that, given recurring large fires, prevention must be strengthened: firebreaks, maintenance of forest edges, access roads for emergency vehicles and a permanently available air fleet are considered central levers. The prefecture is reminding residents of basic precautions: no open flames outdoors, do not dispose of cigarette butts in the countryside and keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles.

For the population in the affected communities it remains crucial to follow official announcements from the prefecture and the municipalities. Return times will be released in stages according to the security situation. Whether the reinforced resources will slow the spread of the fire in the coming hours depends on wind, temperatures and the success of the ground crews in the key sectors.