A forest fire occurred in the commune of Saint-Just, approximately 50 kilometers south of Rennes, France. The Ille-et-Vilaine prefecture announced that the fire was progressing on Wednesday evening.
The fire reached the Landes de Cojoux megalithic site, according to the Mayor of Saint-Just.
Nicolas Debray stated that the fire progressed towards the west and, due to shifting winds, moved towards the megalithic site and the commune where evacuations occurred. The Mayor of Saint-Just stated the fire is likely accidental, caused by a dead tree falling on an electric cable.
Evacuations and response
Approximately 100 people were evacuated due to the fire in Saint-Just, France. Other reports indicate that 157 people were evacuated. The Ille-et-Vilaine prefecture stated that evacuees are being taken care of by the communes of Saint-Just and Pipriac.
The Ille-et-Vilaine prefecture stated that no houses were affected by the fire. Farmers provided assistance by making water tanks and agricultural equipment available for the operations.
The fire burned more than 200 hectares, though some reports state the figure was more than 225 hectares. On Wednesday evening, approximately 200 firefighters and more than 70 vehicles were engaged.
Changing conditions
While some reports suggested the fire was contained by the end of Wednesday evening, the Ille-et-Vilaine prefecture described the fire as stabilized but not contained. On Thursday afternoon, the situation reportedly degraded.
The Ille-et-Vilaine prefecture reported on Thursday at 6 PM that the situation was degrading due to rising temperatures and strong wind gusts. Temperatures were forecast to reach 38°C. During the resurgence of the fire, 189 firefighters and 70 vehicles were mobilized.
The situation is degrading due to rising temperatures and strong wind gusts.
