Wildfires in Pyrénées-Orientales Force Evacuation of 10,000 as Canadairs Intensify Firefighting Efforts

As of July 6, 2026, the Pyrénées-Orientales region continues to battle severe wildfires that have led to the evacuation of approximately 10,000 residents. The fires have ravaged an estimated 4,600 hectares of forest, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

The French Interior Minister confirmed the scale of the crisis, emphasizing the urgency of the response to these ongoing blazes. Firefighting teams have been actively engaged in containment efforts, with Canadairs—specialized water-bomber aircraft—playing a pivotal role in the operations. These aircraft have been performing multiple perilous missions to suppress the flames across difficult terrain.

This escalation underscores the critical state of the wildfires and the complexities of fighting them. Authorities’ deployment of Canadairs reflects the seriousness with which the government is addressing the disaster. The large-scale evacuations and continued aerial interventions illustrate both the environmental impact and human toll in the region.

Residents displaced from their homes face uncertainty as firefighting efforts persist, with officials committed to controlling the spread of the fires as quickly as possible. The deployment of Canadairs and ongoing emergency responses aim to mitigate further destruction and protect communities in the affected areas.