A major wildfire has burned over 1600 hectares in the Pyrénées-Orientales since Saturday evening. More than 10000 people have been evacuated and the third stage of the Tour de France on Monday will proceed without spectators on French territory.
The wildfire that broke out Saturday evening near Ille-sur-Têt has burned more than 1600 hectares. A firefighter and a resident were injured and are listed in absolute emergency.
Prefect Pierre Regnault de la Mothe ordered the evacuation of Ille-sur-Têt and the Aspres massif on Sunday evening. Around 700 firefighters are battling flames revived by the Tramontane wind.
The third stage of the Tour de France from Granollers to Les Angles will take place on Monday but without spectators or the publicity caravan on French soil. The prefect explained that protecting populations and controlling the fire remains the absolute priority.
