Disasters & Incidents
France wildfire burns 153 hectares in Lozere
A wildfire in southern France's Lozere region had burned about 153 hectares by late Sunday afternoon and forced the precautionary evacuation of two hamlets in La Tieule, as around 270 firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Firefighters from Lozere and neighbouring departments were supported by four Canadair water bombers and two Dash aircraft. A Lozere fire service spokesman said their efforts had helped contain the fire and save two homes directly threatened by the flames, but said work was still focused on the head of the fire, which remained inaccessible.
The fire broke out at about 12:45 p.m. in Lozere, about 140 kilometres northwest of Montpellier. Officials said it may have started after a vehicle caught fire on a local road.
The two hamlets, directly in the path of the flames, were evacuated at about 5:00 p.m., affecting about 20 homes. Marc Toulouse, a senior fire officer in Lozere, said the area had extensive woodland and was extremely dry.
Local authorities urged residents not to call emergency services to report the blaze, warning that calls could overload crews already fighting the fire.
Update
The burned area rose to about 153 hectares by late afternoon.
Around 270 firefighters were deployed from Lozere and neighbouring departments.
Firefighting aircraft included four Canadair water bombers and two Dash aircraft.
A Lozere fire service spokesman said crews had helped contain the blaze and save two directly threatened homes.
The spokesman said the flanks were being held but work remained focused on the fire's inaccessible head.
Source note: AFP news report published on 9 August 2026 at 20:51:13 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed.
The final damage assessment was not yet available.
The fire was not described as fully extinguished or fully under control.
Source
AFP news report published on .