Thousands of people, mostly tourists, were staying at campsites along the French coastline when they faced an abrupt evacuation this Monday. The incident unfolded near the popular seaside resort of Argelès-sur-Mer, just kilometers from the Spanish border, as a fierce fire swept through the Les Albères hills beside the Mediterranean. The flames forced many families to leave their camping grounds and seek safety away from the smoke and heat.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin described the blaze as a fire of great violence in a social media post, urging the public and holidaymakers in the area to remain vigilant and to follow official guidance. The minister’s message underscored the seriousness of the situation and the ongoing effort to keep people informed as conditions evolved throughout the day.
A violent wildfire raged in the Pyrenees-Orientales, prompting authorities to call on residents and visitors to stay alert. Darmanin noted the scale of the response, including the deployment of13 aircraft, three helicopters, and more than 500 firefighters who worked through challenging terrain to create firebreaks and protect communities along the border area. The coordination involved fire and rescue teams across multiple agencies, all focused on containment and safety.
The fire began in the early afternoon and spread across roughly 480 hectares, approaching a forest road in the Saint André area near Argelès-sur-Mer. Local authorities later released an official assessment confirming the extent of the affected zone and the rapid intensity of the fire as conditions favored its growth, including dry vegetation and gusty winds typical of the region in late summer. The rapid progression of the flames highlighted the need for swift evacuation orders and continuous risk assessment by emergency managers.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries at the time, according to the Pyrenees-Orientales government delegation. Officials maintained a close watch on the evolving crisis, ready to adjust containment lines and safety measures as weather and firefighting resources allowed. The incident response emphasized resilient teamwork across local, regional, and national authorities in a coordinated effort to minimize harm to residents and visitors alike.
As a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated several campsites near Argelès-sur-Mer, including La Pinède, Al Sol, El Rancho, Chênes Rouges, and Le Bois Fleuri, with dozens of homes also cleared to ensure civilian safety. Evacuation procedures were implemented with care, ensuring occupants could relocate to designated safe zones while emergency teams established new access routes and monitored hotspots. The situation remained dynamic, with ongoing risk assessments and communications to keep the public informed through official channels and citizen alerts. Attribution: statements from the French Interior Ministry and regional emergency services are cited in official briefings.