The other three firefighters, more slightly injured, were victims of a “heat stroke” following a reversal of the flames by the wind which partly destroyed their vehicle, specified Colonel Agrinier who coordinates the operations on square.
On Twitter, the Gard firefighters confirm “a violent forest fire”. To fight the flames, four canadairs, a Dash aircraft and 170 firefighters were mobilized. Reinforcements of firefighters from neighboring departments are also expected to help the firefighters already mobilized.
The emergency services have so far succeeded in protecting an equestrian center and evacuating a couple of 2 elderly people. On some videos filmed by Internet users, we see that the fire is getting closer to homes.
A9 motorway closed
Problem, too much heat and a strong wind complicate the work of firefighters. Fanned by the Mistral and the Tramontane, whose gusts blow at 60 km / h on dry ground, the fire progresses from 2.5 to 3 kilometers per hour, explained Commander William Borelly, in charge of communication.
As a security measure, the A9, which serves Spain in particular, has been closed in both directions to traffic for about ten kilometers between Lunel and Gallargues, announced the motorway company Vinci. “The fire does not affect the motorway, but a significant release of smoke presents a risk for traffic”, specifies Vinci who has implemented traffic management measures on the A9 and the A54.
As a result, the A709 urban motorway has also been closed to traffic in both directions between Montpellier South (No. 30) and Montpellier West (No. 31), as a safety measure, adds the motorway company. “There are currently 3 km of traffic jam towards Spain and 4 km of traffic jam towards Lyon”.