L’incendie dans l’Aude ayant ravagé une centaine d’hectares près de Carcassonne est «fixé», l’A61 rouverte «dès que possible»

The fire near Carcassonne in the Aude department, which consumed more than 100 hectares along the A61 motorway, has been declared “fixed,” with authorities indicating the highway will reopen “as soon as possible.” The incident began when a vehicle caught fire on the side of the road, triggering a large-scale response involving both ground and aerial resources. The blaze started shortly after 4 p.m., originating from a car that had ignited on the shoulder of the A61. Firefighters and emergency services were quickly deployed, with over 280 personnel and 60 rescue vehicles responding to the scene. Aerial support included three Canadair aircraft, two Dash jets, two water-carrying helicopters, and four Air Tractor planes. These efforts enabled rapid containment of the fire, which spread across approximately 100 hectares before being declared under control around 9 p.m. According to a spokesperson for the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS 31), the fire was fully extinguished shortly after 9 p.m. The operation saw significant coordination between local and national emergency services, with the prefectural headquarters providing real-time updates through its social media channels. The prefecture noted that firefighters continue to conduct reconnaissance missions using drones in areas where aerial intervention is not feasible. A heightened level of vigilance is maintained overnight, with monitoring operations set up to ensure the situation remains stable. The incident caused temporary closures of the A61, disrupting traffic in both directions between Toulouse and Narbonne. Approximately 150 residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure, primarily in the nearby commune of Cazilhac, following instructions from the mayor. Additionally, motorists parked at rest areas surrounding the affected area were also relocated. The fire posed a risk to residential neighborhoods and a military training site, prompting urgent action to prevent further damage. Animals housed at a nearby wildlife park were also moved to safer locations to avoid exposure to the flames. The fire’s proximity to populated areas and critical infrastructure underscored the need for swift and coordinated response efforts. The minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, issued a statement via X urging drivers to avoid the area to ensure their safety and facilitate ongoing firefighting activities. Emergency officials emphasized the effectiveness of the multi-agency approach, noting that the deployment of such extensive resources helped protect homes in the communes of Carcassonne, Cazilhac, and Palaja. Operations involving controlled water application continue, while night-time surveillance measures remain active to monitor any potential resurgence of the fire. Authorities have confirmed that the A61 will be reopened once all necessary checks and assessments are completed. While the exact timeline for this remains pending, officials have expressed confidence in the thoroughness of the current operations. The incident highlights the importance of rapid response capabilities in managing large-scale wildfires, particularly in regions prone to such events during dry seasons.