In Gironde, the two fires ravaging the region did not progress for the second night in a row. Faced with this lull, 6,000 people who had to be evacuated were able to return to their homes on Thursday afternoon.
After more than a week of absence, Isabelle came to feed pan pan, her nephew’s rabbit. “It’s a relief to know he’s alive. It wasn’t sure he would survive this long without water, without food…”
A bus chartered by the gendarmerie dropped off the residents who were evacuated 10 days ago. They were able to feed their animals and collect some belongings before leaving. “We need patience and giving the emergency services time to secure everything. When we are told to go home, we will go quietly”slips a local resident.
Since July 12, the two fires have destroyed nearly 21,000 hectares of forest in Gironde. 37,000 residents and vacationers had to be evacuated. Today, some are lucky enough to find their homes in Pyla-sur-Mer. “Relieved… These are not at all the same conditions as the departure, where we were anxious. Packing the bags in half an hour, it gives considerable stress. We are very happy to find the house”says a resident. “Delighted, but tired, chain another. And still a little anxious because there is an assessment to make of the possible damage that the fire could have done because I am on the edge of the forest.
For others, the return is more complicated. “We’ve been evacuated for 8 days and there, we come to have a little good time on the beach, but it’s true that it’s funny… There’s no one left. For the shops, the season is damn”says a third resident of the region.
The two fires no longer seem to be progressing, but the situation is still not under control. 2,000 firefighters are still mobilized on site to secure areas considered sensitive.