A major bushfire is requiring significant relief efforts in the Morvan massif. From 16:00. This Wednesday, July 15, firefighters are stubbornly fighting a blaze in the community of La Grande-Verrière in Saône-et-Loire. The situation remains particularly critical this Wednesday evening.
In the middle of the night, the fire was not contained, although it was localized over a large area. Forty hectares have already been charred. Weather conditions clearly complicate the rescue task, with strong gusts of wind constantly fanning the fire.
Fire at the Grande Verrière Hotel on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
•
© Alexandre Baudrand / France Télévisions
Around 9:30 p.m., the fire broke out again, forcing firefighters to redistribute their forces to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby coniferous tracts at all costs.
On the night of Wednesday to Thursday, July 16, the fire has still not been localized.
•
© Anthony Borlot / France Télévisions
At the scene, emergency personnel noted the density of vegetation. Commander Sebastien Desroches returns to the flame’s path: ” The fire started at the edge of a departmental road in a field and quickly spread to the undergrowth. It is a relatively dense forest that is not maintained. With a shrub layer and continuity of vegetation which means fire can be dangerous.“
Given the scale of the disaster, emergency response measures have been stepped up. More than a hundred firefighters are currently mobilized on the ground, supported by the neighboring departments of Yonne, Nièvre, Côte-d’Or and Jura. While two helicopters supported teams on the ground throughout the afternoon, there was an outpouring of solidarity as more than thirty farmers helped firefighters by transporting water tankers.
80 firefighters intervene to put out a fire in La Grande Verriere.
•
© Alexandre Baudrand / France Télévisions
Noting the extent of the damage in her municipality, Marie-Claude Barnet, Mayor (SE) of La Grande Verriere, calls on everyone to take responsibility: “ Residents, motorists, everyone should be vigilant and watch their cigarette butts. A fire breaks out very quickly, and today we see how the consequences can quickly become dramatic, both on a material and human level.“
Traffic conditions remain very disrupted on roads throughout the sector. Motorists are urged to avoid D3 and take the RD 296 detour.
► With Alexandre Baudran and Anthony Borlo.