Major fire breaks out in Sérignan near Béziers: waste recovery depot ravaged by flames

The fire broke out around 6:30 p.m. Jean Pierre Amarger

Firefighters used water hoses to contain the fire. J.-P A. – Midi Libre

Patrols to ensure that the fire does not cross the perimeter fence. J.-P A. – Midi Libre

After 11 p.m. the column of smoke stood out in the sky with its base of flames. J.-P A. – Midi Libre

A fire is in progress in Sérignan, this Tuesday, August 27 in the evening, in a waste recovery depot. According to the firefighters on site, it will take several days to completely extinguish it.

This Tuesday, August 27, a major fire broke out near Sérignan, near Béziers. A waste recovery depot went up in smoke. The first flames appeared around 6:30 p.m.

“At first, there was nothing”

Two young children, about ten years old, tell us: “We went by, there were a few flames. Nothing at all!”And they show a video taken on site. And indeed, there was just one or two square meters of flames. Then, the entire waste dump went up in flames. A little later, around 9:30 p.m., the two kids were still there taking pictures. The boy on his scooter, the little girl on foot. “It's huge, they say. Everything is on fire and the heat it gives off. It's impressive. Plus there are lots of explosions” Like many, many onlookers, they are fascinated by the gigantic fire contained by around sixty firefighters from the Béziers, Valras and Sérignan fire stations. And indeed explosions were heard regularly. Each time causing the people positioned closest to them to retreat. But who advanced very quickly towards the fire a few moments later.

Nearly two hectares already burned

The fire broke out triggered around 6:30 p.m. Jean Pierre Amarger

According to our information, nearly two hectares of bales of waste are currently ravaged by the flames. Leaving thick and acrid smoke. Firefighters expect to work on this fire for a long time. “When we say a long time, we don't just mean tonight. It's tomorrow, and maybe several more days,” insists a firefighter.

As in 2019

The disaster, as in 2019, broke out at the Sérignan waste disposal site where the final waste is deposited, ready for recovery. “In 2019, we were unable to put out the fire. There was only one solution: bury the fire to smother it. That's what we expect to do. Now, we have to contain it. Nothing more. Once the flames have disappeared, the fire will still smolder."

This Tuesday, August 27, all the access roads to the vineyards around the Véolia center were stormed. Like in a Drive In, people were at the show. Taking souvenir videos, photos from their vehicles. A real fair, without control where everyone could, as they pleased, approach the firefighters' site, who themselves recommended moving away. Nothing worked, some even arrived on foot from Vendres, located far away, for a night out.