Pyrénées-Orientales fire: Damage assessment work at campsites completed

Forest fires in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of southern France caused significant damage, negatively impacting the tourism sector. Three different campsites, among the businesses most affected by the fires, have been subjected to different opening dates and reconstruction processes following inspections. Authorities and campsite managements evaluated the current situation and established a schedule for when the facilities can be opened, and guests were informed.

As a result of the inspections, it is planned that the Sainte-Marie campsite, which sustained the least damage, will return to operation in the very near future following rapid cleaning and repair work. This facility is expected to start accepting guests and resuming accommodation services from the beginning of this week, i.e., Monday. In the region where the healing of the fire's wounds is beginning, this early opening is considered an important step for the revitalization of tourism.

However, the situation at the La Marina campsite, the facility most heavily affected by the fire, is much more serious and the structural damage requires in-depth examination. A definite opening date has not yet been set for this facility, and the processes for damage assessment and preparation of necessary repair projects are ongoing. The strong damage assessment indicates that the facility may remain closed for a longer period or may require comprehensive restoration.

The third affected facility, the Brasilia campsite, has been subjected to a planned recovery process following the events. Following the evaluations, the goal was set to complete the necessary procedures for this facility to serve at full capacity, and July 20 was targeted for the opening. Despite the ongoing effects of the fire, the management's indication of this date was accepted as a promising development.

Considering the safety and rights of the holidaymakers evacuated from the fire zone, they were allowed short-term access to the camps as of yesterday to retrieve their personal belongings. This development is seen as an important step to alleviate the grievances of the guests in the region. Authorities emphasize that the reopening schedule of the camps is shaped according to the intensity of the fire and the damage created at each facility, and that a safety-first approach is adopted.