Wildfire in Gard burns 540 hectares, A9 motorway partially closed amid heatwave

Fire breaks out near Lédenon

At around 12:40 on Sunday, a wildfire ignited near a karting circuit in Lédenon, Gard department. The circuit was evacuated. The fire quickly spread, fanned by high temperatures and dry conditions. By late afternoon, it had burned through 350 hectares, later expanding to 540 hectares. The prefecture described the fire as "fixé" (contained) but still active by evening.

Motorway closure and traffic disruption

The flames crossed the A9 motorway, forcing its closure in both directions between exits 23 and 24. Vinci Autoroutes deployed teams to secure the area and assist firefighters. The operator later announced that one lane in each direction would reopen in the evening after safety markings were set. Secondary roads also experienced heavy congestion, with gendarmes directing traffic.

Evacuations and damage

Seventy people were evacuated and sheltered in a community hall. Residents of Cabrières and Saint-Gervasy were initially told to stay indoors; the confinement order was lifted later. In Bezouce, about 10 km northeast of Nîmes, at least two houses were touched by flames and two cars were destroyed. No civilian casualties were reported.

Firefighting effort

Some 270 firefighters were deployed, supported by seven Canadair water bombers, two Dash planes, and a heavy helicopter. They worked through the night to prevent further spread. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed one firefighter was injured during the operation.

A firefighter has been injured.

Heatwave context

The Gard department was under an orange heatwave alert, along with six other southern departments. Temperatures reached up to 40°C. On Monday, the alert will extend to 16 departments, including those in the west. The high temperatures contributed to the fire's rapid spread.