Two fires started on Tuesday July 26, 1.5 km apart in Gignac and Saint-Bauzille-de-la-Sylve before meeting on the Aumelas plateau. Nearly 650 firefighters are on site with air support. More than 1,000 hectares went up in smoke. This Wednesday, July 27 in the morning, the fire is no longer progressing.
The Hérault is on fire. A fire in an area of vineyards and Mediterranean vegetation about twenty kilometers from Montpellier has already traveled. The firefighters had been working since the end of the morning on two fire starts, separated by 1.5 km, which broke out in the municipalities of Saint-Bauzille-de-la-Sylve, Gignac and Aumelas. The two fires then reunited later in the day.
1,000 hectares were ravaged.
– 7:05 a.m.: Residents evacuated back home
This Tuesday, July 26, 280 people were evacuated as a preventive measure in the town of Aumelas. 50 people were also able to find refuge in the Vendémian party hall. They were able to return home at night, indicates BFM TV. No casualties are reported so far.
– 7:10 a.m.: The dreaded resumption of fire
With the wind, the firefighters fear a strong resumption of the fire, which did not progress during the night.
The privileged criminal track
A preliminary investigation for arson has been opened by the Montpellier prosecutor’s office.
Air assets have notably been committed: 5 Canadairs, 1 Dash and two departmental planes.
Air assets have been engaged.
The Hérault prefecture recommends avoiding the area, so as not to hinder the emergency services.
#Forest fires | \u26a0\ufe0fFire in the#Herault in Saint-Bauzille-de-la-Sylve, Gignac & Aumelas
\u27a1\ufe0fUpdate at 11 p.m.
\ud83d\udc69\ud83d\ude92650 firefighters mobilized
\ud83d\udd251000 hectares burned\u274cBe sure to avoid the area
\ud83d\udea8Do not hinder the intervention of the emergency services\u2139\ufe0f CP \ud83d\udc49 https://t.co/MNlLp6PXUi pic.twitter.com/Kf8M8c5k6k
— Prefect of Hérault \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 (@Prefet34) July 26, 2022