The firefighters of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence are mobilized on a new outbreak of fire in a place called Villeneuve.
Important fire in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence this Tuesday. The firefighters have been mobilized since Tuesday afternoon on a fire start in Villeneuve, learned BFM DICI from the firefighters of 04. The fire has already burned 210 hectares, according to a point from the command post at the end of the day this Tuesday. Hot spots still need to be dealt with overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.
200 people and an equestrian center evacuated
The forest fire broke out in the place called La Bastide du Bois in an area of one hundred meters of elevation composed half of conifers and mixed forest.
The very exposed village of Niozelles was evacuated but most of the inhabitants were able to return to their homes in the evening with the exception of around twenty of them living in hamlets in the town which are still at risk.
The people concerned will be temporarily accommodated in Forcalquier, announced the prefecture, with the help of the Red Cross. They are housed at the Alain Prieur sports complex, specifies the town hall.
Beds are set up on site while food and water are also made available. Five people from civil protection came to help the evacuees.
An equestrian center in Niozelles was also evacuated thanks to the solidarity of the inhabitants.
300 firefighters engaged
300 firefighters are engaged in the area, including groups from Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhône. Eight water bombers, including six Canadairs, and a heavy bomber helicopter are in support.
60 firefighters from the Alpes-Maritimes will also reinforce the forces on site, indicates the SDIS 06 on Twitter. Firefighters ask not to clog the emergency lines.
Regarding the origin of the fire, the accidental track is favored by the prosecution. The fire could have been caused by works.