Wildfires along French-Spanish border force hundreds to evacuate
A wildfire that started on April 15, 2023, in the northern Cerbère area of Cap Peyrefitte in France, quickly spread to neighboring Spain, causing evacuations and significant damage in both countries.
The Interdepartmental Crisis Management Operational Centre (COGIC) reported that the fire had burnt an area of approximately 930 ha (2 296 acres) in France and 120 ha (296 acres) in Spain before it was brought under control on April 16. The COGIC also reported that around 300 people were evacuated to temporary accommodation centers across the area of Cap Peyrefite and Cerbère town.
The firefighting efforts were intensified as four Canadair firefighting aircraft and two other aerial units were deployed, conducting a total of 26 drops. Additionally, 593 firefighters were mobilized to contain the blaze. However, the fire still caused damage to two houses and resulted in up to 1 200 power outages throughout the affected area.
According to the JRC European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), the fire danger forecast remains high to very high in the Pyrénées-Orientales Department for the next 24 hours. This poses a risk of further wildfires in the area, and the authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
References:
1 France – Wildfire — DG ECHO – April 17, 2023
Featured image credit: Bombers (stillshot)
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