On Friday, November 1, the Alert Processing Center (CTA) was alerted for a tractor fire which spread to a 1,200 m² agricultural shed located in the town of Crastes in the Gers.
On Friday, November 1 at 3:58 p.m., a fire broke out in a 1,200 m² agricultural building in the town of Crastes, in the Gers department. The alert was given after a tractor fire spread to a shed, which contained 1,500 tonnes of grain, agricultural equipment and phytosanitary products.
Faced with this major risk, the Alert Processing Center (CTA) immediately mobilized substantial resources. In total, 43 firefighters from the fire and rescue centers of Auch, Castéra-Verduzan, Fleurance, Lombez, Mauvezin and Vic-Fezensac intervened on the scene to control the fire and limit the damage. .
Aware of the environmental risks linked to the presence of phytosanitary products, emergency services have deployed a team specializing in technological risks. This unit has taken protective measures to minimize the risks of pollution, both for the air and for the ground, by avoiding the spread of potentially toxic substances.
Firefighters used three hoses to control the flames. Thanks to this rapid and well-coordinated intervention, the teams managed to save two thirds of the shed as well as the seed storage cells. This work made it possible to limit losses for the agricultural operation, although significant material damage was to be deplored.
A 25-year-old man, who had inhaled smoke during the fire, was treated by the emergency teams present on site.
This fire is a reminder of the dangers inherent in agricultural structures, where the presence of machinery, large quantities of raw materials and chemicals increases the risk of serious incidents. Thanks to the coordinated and rapid work of the firefighters, a larger disaster was avoided.
Photo credit SDIS 32 – A.SOUSA.
