A term used allegedly by the military when artillery fire is directed towards one's own allies, but it took on a new meaning when a rocket fired in an exercise near Castres (Tarn) caused the dry causse to catch fire.
The soldiers tried to control the fire and called out the pompiers, but the strong winds fanned the flames out of control and stronger measures were needed. "Canadair" type aeroplanes dropped water and high-capacity tankers ferried water to the waterless landscape. Local maires warned inhabitants of nearby villages that they may experience drops in water pressure as pompiers drained reservoirs. Several roads were closed and a few houses evacuated and with over 80 hectares burned some disruption may continue through today (Tuesday) and tomorrow.
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