A major wildfire has been raging in the South of France since Tuesday between the towns of Narbonne and Carcassonne. The fire has now destroyed 11,000 hectares of forest and scrubland. The fire claimed one fatality and caused nine injuries, including seven firefighters who suffered smoke inhalation.
Unfavourable weather conditions
The fire started on Tuesday afternoon in the Aude department, where code red applied for fire risk. The combination of factors made the situation complex for the emergency services.
Drought and wind fuel fire
The conditions are very unfavourable: prolonged drought, high temperatures of over 30 degrees and strong winds of 60-70 km per hour. This combination causes the fire to spread rapidly across the dry landscape.
The long dry period in June, with 70 per cent less rainfall than normal, plays an important role. At the same time, the rain in March has caused extra vegetation which now serves as fuel. I notice that this pattern – dry periods alternating with growth periods – is occurring increasingly frequently in Mediterranean areas.
Extinguishing a wildfire?
You can still try to extinguish small fire sources, but once the flames become too high and spread too quickly, you must get yourself to safety.
Water remains the most effective extinguishing agent
- Spray the water in a wide fan, not in one stream
- Mik op de basis van de vlammen, niet op de toppen
- This cools the fuel and prevents reignition
Earth or sand also work well for smaller fires
- Shovel the sand onto the fire and over the glowing remains
- Stamp it down to cut off the oxygen supply
a powder extinguisher should always be in your car. You can also use this to extinguish fire(s).
Nocturnal delay
Last night the fire spread less rapidly due to higher humidity. This gave the fire brigade somewhat more breathing space, but the situation remains unpredictable.
Impact on communities
The fire affects fifteen municipalities in the region. At least 25 homes were damaged and 2 campsites have been evacuated. Residents are advised to stay indoors, except when the fire brigade orders evacuation.
Traffic and infrastructure
The A9 motorway towards Spain and the A61 motorway, between Narbonne and Perpignan, are completely or partially closed. This causes disruption to holiday traffic and transport.
Furthermore, 30 vehicles have burnt out and approximately 2,500 households no longer have electricity. These figures show how quickly a wildfire disrupts daily life.
Personal stories
A resident from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse told a French broadcaster that the fire reached his partially burnt house incredibly quickly. “We were unable to save anything”, the man said. Such stories illustrate the speed at which you must act in such a situation.
???? Not the first time
- Earlier this summer 10,000 homes were already without power after forest fires
- Read here: What if you end up in a wildfire?
Large-scale response
1,800 firefighters are trying to fight the fire with support from water-bombing aircraft and helicopters. It is the largest wildfire of this summer in France.
“This fire will occupy us for days to come. It will be a work of long standing”, said the deputy governor of Aude. President Emmanuel Macron says on X that “all resources of the nation are being mobilised”.
Preparation makes the difference
This situation demonstrates why preparation is important for those who live or stay in risk areas. I think many people underestimate how quickly such a situation can escalate.
Some practical considerations for fire-prone areas:
- Houd belangrijke documenten en medicijnen bij elkaar voor snelle evacuatie
- Think of a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher in your car to extinguish starting fires
- Ensure sufficient fuel in your vehicle during risk periods
- Volg lokale waarschuwingen en aarzel niet bij evacuatie-instructies
- Know multiple routes out of your area
The experiences in the South of France show that preparation and quick response are crucial. Those who recognise the signs and act adequately can prevent or limit problems. It is a useful reminder that wildfires can occur anywhere conditions are favourable.