Forest and dune fires in the Pas-de-Calais region have burned 23 hectares, according to a report from the prefecture of the Pas-de-Calais. The blazes prompted regional road closures, the evacuation of a major campsite housing between 1,000 and 2,000 people in Camiers, and the deployment of 87 sapeurs-pompiers alongside dozens of reinforcement personnel and specialized units to combat the flames.
Emergency Response and Reinforcements Deployed
The prefecture reports that 87 firefighters are actively engaged in tackling the blazes, supported by 64 additional personnel from the SDIS of the Somme, Aisne, Nord, and Oise departments. Additional support includes 70 gendarmes and two water-dropping helicopters sent from Normandy, which carried out 74 separate drops of 800 liters of water each. Reinforcements from the Somme arrived at the operational command post located at the Cité de la Dunette in Neufchâtel-Hardelot, heading toward the Chemin de la Mer in Dannes where two separate fires reportedly merged.
Did You Know? Angélique Level, manager of the municipal campsite Au Mont-Frieux, noted the unprecedented scale of the disaster, stating, “Since 4 p.m., we’ve been knocking on the doors of mobile homes to make sure people prepare with a minimum of clothing, medications, and pets.” Local resident Hervé Effner added, “I’ve been here for 60 years, I’ve never seen this.”
Evacuations, Infrastructure Closures, and Public Safety
Authorities report no casualties so far, though one house has been confirmed destroyed by the flames. A camping facility in Camiers holding between 1,000 and 2,000 vacationers was evacuated earlier in the afternoon after management issued an alert on social media. While evacuees from the camping Cristal d’Opale were temporarily barred from returning due to heavy smoke, the prefecture later confirmed that campers were authorized to head back once conditions improved.
Access to massifs forestiers in Camiers, Dannes, and Neufchâtel-Hardelot is strictly prohibited following the reactivation of a prefectoral decree. Law enforcement has restricted transit across the area, closing departmental road D119 in both directions between Hardelot and the Dannes roundabout, alongside a blockade on the D940.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current size of the fire?
According to the prefecture’s report, the fires have burned a total estimated surface area of 23 hectares.
Are there any reported injuries or casualties?
No victims or injuries have been reported at this stage, though authorities confirmed that one house was destroyed.
What resources are fighting the flames?
The operation involves 87 sapeurs-pompiers on the ground, 64 backup personnel from neighboring departments, 70 gendarmes, and two water-dropping helicopters from Normandy.
What measures are local authorities likely to implement next as crews work to contain the remaining active sectors? Directorate announcements suggest further evacuations could be decided depending on how the situation evolves and what recommendations emergency services issue.
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