Canet-en-Roussillon: Hundreds of bungalows destroyed, thousands of holidaymakers evacuated

Canet-en-Roussillon – 04.07.2026: A severe fire that broke out on 2 July in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and spread along the coast to Canet-en-Roussillon (Pyrénées-Orientales) driven by strong winds has heavily affected several campsites. The prefecture confirmed on Friday that the fire has been considered contained since 3 July. Hotspots continue to be monitored and firefighting teams remain on heightened alert for now.

According to initial damage assessments, several hundred holiday accommodations were destroyed. Local overviews speak of roughly 256 to 281 burned mobile homes. According to the municipalities, the sites Le Brasilia and Homair La Marina, as well as another adjacent location, are particularly affected. Many of the evacuated guests were only able to take essential items; numerous pitches and communal areas are unusable. Images from the region show charred pitch areas, melted plastic parts and burned wooden verandas.

About 3,000 people – mainly holidaymakers but also residents in outlying areas – were brought to safety. The municipality set up emergency shelters and information points where catering, medical care and initial psychological support were organized. Those affected were asked to contact their insurers and to get in touch with the municipal administration for further information. For travelers due to arrive this weekend, the operators of the affected sites have offered rebookings or refunds, while undamaged facilities in the area are checking their capacity.

Local industry was also not spared: the Catana Group’s plant site, a manufacturer of yachts and catamarans, suffered damage to outdoor areas. The company stated that safety-relevant areas and essential production equipment were protected and that staff were evacuated in time. A precise overview of outages and repair needs is still pending.

Numerous sapeurs-pompiers from the department were deployed, supported by units from neighboring regions. Several civilians and emergency personnel suffered minor smoke inhalation; more serious injuries have not been confirmed so far. Parallel to operations, the prosecutor’s office and fire authorities are examining the cause of the fire and the exact course of events. Official results are not yet available.

The consequences for tourism in the coastal towns are immediately noticeable. Municipalities and the prefecture are working on short-term assistance, such as accommodation, debris removal and safety cordons. In the medium term, the focus will be on reconstruction, compensation and possible additional safety requirements for campsites – for example extended firebreaks, stricter vegetation maintenance and emergency plans for windy days. Operators and employees expect that some areas will remain closed during the summer season, while less affected zones could reopen step by step after inspections.