A significant wildfire broke out in Canet-en-Roussillon, France, early Monday morning, prompting the evacuation of nearly 3,000 campers.
104 Firefighters Deployed
According to L'independent the fire, which started around 2:30 AM on August 19, quickly spread due to strong winds, which reached speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
The blaze, believed to have originated from a vegetation fire, soon reached the Mar Estang campground, causing substantial damage.
According to local authorities, the fire covered approximately 5 acres (2 hectares) before firefighters could bring it under control.
A total of 104 firefighters were deployed to the scene, utilizing 27 emergency vehicles in their efforts to contain the flames.
Six People Injured
Despite their rapid response, one mobile home was completely destroyed, while five others, along with a caravan, sustained partial damage.
Three vehicles were also affected by the fire.
The quick spread of the fire led to the evacuation of the campground’s occupants, who were taken to safety by firefighters and local law enforcement.
The evacuees were temporarily housed in the nearby Naudo establishment and the communal hall in Canet-en-Roussillon, as part of the town's emergency response plan.
Unfortunately, the fire resulted in six injuries, including four civilians and two firefighters.
One of the injured firefighters was transported to the Perpignan Hospital for further treatment. The fire was finally brought under control by 4:30 AM, preventing further damage or casualties.
