Around 3,000 people evacuated after large fire in Pyrénées-Orientales

Canet-en-Roussillon – 03.07.2026: In the Pyrénées-Orientales, severe fires on Thursday and into the night to Friday prompted large-scale evacuations. According to the prefecture, around 3,000 people in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and Canet-en-Roussillon had to leave their accommodations, including many holidaymakers at coastal campsites. The situation remained tense late into the evening as strong gusts and parched vegetation aided the spread of the flames.

Several campsites were hit directly. According to consistent reports from the command, Camping Le Sainte-Marie, Le Brasilia and Le Marina were among those affected; parts of a nautical center and areas of the local marina also caught fire. Evacuees were housed in municipal halls, temporary reception centers and with accommodation providers inland. Road sections near the coast were temporarily closed to give emergency services clear access.

Hundreds of firefighters from the Service départemental d’incendie et de secours (SDIS) were on continuous duty. Ground crews were supported by water-dropping helicopters and aircraft. The gendarmerie secured evacuation routes, while maritime units of the coastguard brought people in shoreline areas to safety by sea. The prefect coordinated measures by rescue services, police and civilian aid organizations to ensure transport, shelter and basic provisions for those affected.

According to official information, no fatalities were reported. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, including as a result of the explosion of a gas canister in a camping area. Authorities additionally warned of risks from smoke and potentially released hazardous substances from damaged containers. Measurement and safety measures were initiated to check for possible contamination affecting residents and emergency personnel.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way. At the same time, authorities asked the public to strictly observe cordons and to refrain from sightseeing drives into the affected zones so as to keep access routes free for emergency services. Given ongoing dryness and strengthening winds, forces expected that mop-up operations and fire watches would continue. Return instructions for evacuees are to be issued gradually once hotspots are secured and no immediate danger remains.

The region has repeatedly been affected in recent weeks by heat and a lack of rainfall, which severely dried out vegetation. The prefecture reminded people of current precautions: open fires and smoking in risk areas are prohibited, parking in tall grass should be avoided, and suspicious smoke should be reported immediately to the emergency number 112. Information on alternative routes and accommodation has been published for travelers and operators along the coast; the prefecture is providing up-to-date information on an ongoing basis.