Three fire starts
Immediately, large resources were sent to the site, including a water drop helicopter and two Canadair, to prevent the flames from spreading in this wooded region. The firefighters have set up their command post in the heart of the town of Saumos. Given the proximity of the flames, it was decided, around 5:30 p.m., to evacuate the village of Saumos, which has 540 inhabitants. The mayor of the village, Didier Chautard, and the gendarmes had to insist with the inhabitants who did not wish to leave so as not to abandon their animals. Evacuees are directed to Le Temple and Le Porge.
The mayor and the gendarmes inform the inhabitants that it is necessary to evacuate
Julien Lestage
At 6:30 p.m., there were already nearly 120 hectares of wood affected by this new fire in the Médoc. According to our information, three distinct outbreaks of fire were noted. The agents of the Department had to close the RD 5 and the RD 821 cycle path. A diversion was set up by the RD 5E3 and RD 6 to reach Lacanau and Sainte-Hélène avoiding the disaster area. The closure could last all night.
At 7:30 p.m., a new situation report finally reported 350 hectares burned. By late afternoon, nearly 240 firefighters were battling the flames. The situation was considered unfavourable, the fire advancing relatively quickly.
Firefighters arrive in Saumos. Julien Lestage
In the village of Saumos Julien Lestage
The spompoers fight the fire in Saumos Julien Lestage