A "very active fire": a blaze between Sète and Montpellier fanned "by a violent wind"

A fire broke out between Sète and Montpellier in the commune of Cournonsec in Hérault late in the afternoon on Monday, July 28.

The fire, caused by welding operations, first spread through a vineyard before penetrating a thicket of scrubland and holm oaks. The "very active" blaze has spread across 20 hectares, according to the Hérault fire department. It is being fanned by strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 60 km/h.

Significant resources are being mobilized to contain the blaze. 350 firefighters are on site, equipped with 45 vehicles. They are supported by four Canadair and one Dash.

The four Canadairs are concentrating on the broken fire head, limiting the spread of the fire.

"Several sensitive point defense actions" are "underway," Hérault firefighters assure, including on homes located on the left flank of the fire. Residents have been confined. The fire no longer threatens homes in Cournonsec.

Firefighters also reported that the "fire crossed the RD5." This road was blocked by the national gendarmerie, as were the main roads in the intervention zone. A fire was stopped along the A9.

No injuries or property damage have been reported so far.