Multiple major fires spark evacuations and rescues across France

A violent forest fire broke out near Lédénon in the Gard department on July 5, scorching more than 150 hectares. Over 118 firefighters and 39 vehicles, supported by aircraft, worked to contain the blaze and protect nearby villages. About 600 people at a karting competition were evacuated and several communes were placed under confinement.

In the Drôme, a lightning‑started forest fire has been raging for four days around Die, burning over 200 hectares. Around 300 firefighters, helicopters and retardant aircraft have been deployed, and 35 residents were evacuated as the flames threatened homes.

A separate agricultural fire at an estate in Vivonne, Vienne, destroyed a large building but allowed rescuers to save roughly 600 livestock – 400 goats and 200 heifers – after a coordinated evacuation.

Around the same time, a blaze at a storage site in Ouroux‑sur‑Saône damaged greenhouses belonging to the Les Fleurs d’Ouroux company, prompting 25 firefighters to intervene and reopen the road.

Regional authorities have warned that high temperatures and strong winds keep fire risk at red levels, urging strict adherence to fire‑prevention rules.