50 people evacuated from scene of fire in Portbail-sur-Mer

Sunday, 12 July 2026 18:25

Smoke could be seen in Jersey. Picture: ici Cotentin © Radio France - Sarah Saltiel-Ragot

Smoke from the fire near the French coast could be seen across Jersey.

Flames broke out during Sunday afternoon (12 July) in the Mielles area of Portbail-sur-Mer, around 15 miles from Jersey's east coast.

The blaze spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry vegetation, including pine trees. Around fifty people were evacuated.

The fire is reported to have started at around 1.15pm (Jersey time) on private land along Chemin de la Sente, near the coast.

Several gas cylinders also exploded. 70 firefighters from 15 stations along with a drone attended the scene and around 50 people were evacuated from their homes.

Approximately 35 acres of vegetation were destroyed. The fire was reported to be under control by 5.30pm (6.30pm French time).

Colonel Thierry Dedieu, deputy director of the Manche Fire and Rescue Service told ici Cotentin: "At the moment [6.30 pm], the fire is under control. It has been contained on both sides. Now we have a lot of work to do inside the affected area because this light residential zone contains all kinds of different materials.

"Gas cylinders have exploded. There are also vehicles, which means fuel, tyres and other combustible materials.

"That's why you continue to see black smoke rising from places that are not yet completely extinguished,"

Smoke from the fire could be seen in parts of Trinity, St Martin and St John and residents in St Helier also reported smelling smoke.