France evacuates 525 as another wildfire hits south-western pine woods

LUGLON, France – The French authorities have evacuated 525 people from the village of Luglon after a wildfire broke out in the south-western Landes region, not far from an area already devastated by major blazes this summer.

The fire, which razed 1,100ha after it began on Aug 13, spread to within 2km of the centre of the village of Luglon, regional official Gilles Clavreul told reporters on Aug 14.

The Landes area is swathed in pine forests that become highly flammable when dry.

“The situation is unfavourable,” Clavreul said, adding that 500 firefighters were tackling the flames and six aircraft have been sent in to assist.

Roads to the north and south of the village have been closed.

Clavreul did not comment on the possible origin of the fire.

Luglon is about 100km south-east of the tourist area of Arcachon Bay, where two major wildfires devastated more than 50,000ha, spurring the evacuation of as many as 220,000 people in late July.

French media reported on Aug 14 that a 15-year-old has been arrested in connection with a July fire near Bordeaux airport, in the same region, that killed two firefighters.

The youth, who has been placed under judicial investigation, allegedly threw away a cigarette butt that sparked the fire, local newspaper Sud Ouest reported. The Bordeaux prosecutor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The French Interior Ministry said 474 people have been arrested on suspicion of starting a fire, whether it was intentional or not. Of that total, 183 are younger than 18.

About 70 per cent of the people detained are suspected of arson, the ministry has previously said.

South-western France has broiled in heatwaves this summer and temperatures are expected to soar to 36 deg C on the afternoon of Aug 14.

The area burnt so far exceeds that of the previous record year of 2022. REUTERS