Southern France wildfires force evacuations near Canet-en-Roussillon

Evacuations near Canet-en-Roussillon

Wildfires in southern France forced the evacuation of 1,500 people from three campsites near Canet-en-Roussillon on Thursday, as firefighters worked to keep the flames from reaching an industrial zone, according to AP.

The coastal resort area near Perpignan has been caught in a fast-moving fire emergency during a period of severe heat, drought and strong winds. The blaze put tourist sites and nearby infrastructure under immediate pressure.

AP reported that the main fire had burned about 900 hectares, or roughly 2,200 acres, by its latest update. Around 800 firefighters and 150 vehicles were deployed, with four water-bomber aircraft also used in the Aude area.

Regional prefect Pierre Regnault de la Mothe described what AP called a "fierce struggle" to stop the fire from spreading into the industrial zone. Local authorities moved quickly to clear the campsites as crews tried to slow the advance.

Wider firefighting surge

The Canet-en-Roussillon blaze is part of a broader summer pattern of fires across southern France. AP quoted Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu as saying nearly 7,000 fires had broken out since the start of the summer season, with about 8,700 hectares burned.

That wider outbreak matters because it shows how stretched firefighting resources have become across the region. Crews in Aude and Canet-en-Roussillon have been working while other fire zones remain active nearby.

The Sun separately reported that the fire crossed the Têt River and spread toward the Le Marina and Le Brasilia campsites. It also said local authorities activated municipal emergency and civil defense plans.

What authorities are watching

Officials were still focused on whether the industrial zone could be protected and whether any additional evacuations would be needed in Canet-en-Roussillon or nearby towns.

At the time of the latest reports, there was no confirmed full assessment of damage to the campsites or to any facilities in the path of the fire.

Readers should watch for updated containment information, changes to evacuation zones and fresh totals for the burned area as firefighters continue the response.