Fire does not only ravage forest areas. In Gironde, where the fire has already covered some 42,000 hectares, evacuations and access restrictions are also disrupting part of local economic activity: more than 13,000 companies have been forced to cease or reduce their activity in the department.
In this context, the consequences for construction professionals are already concrete. In fact, PRO BTP announces the implementation of exceptional measures for companies, craftsmen, employees and retirees in the construction sector affected by the fires in Gironde, Landes and Var.
The construction social protection group indicates that it has carried out an initial census of its members located in disaster or evacuated areas – here, the map of fires in Gironde. Nearly 4,000 companies and 13,000 employees, to which are added 9,500 individual members, are at this stage directly concerned. © CCO
One month of contributions canceled for affected companies
For the companies and craftsmen affected by fires, PRO BTP announces several measures intended to immediately alleviate the financial consequences of the disasterof which :
– the cancellation of one month of contributions,
– The elimination of penalties and increases that may apply in the event of late payment;
– Finally, situations will be examined individually in order to adapt support to the difficulties encountered by each company.
The professionals concerned will not have to carry out the procedures alone because PRO BTP indicates that its teams will contact them directly in order to implement the measures announced as soon as possible. The group ensures that it has mobilized its teams to respond to members’ requests and maintain individualized support during this period. © Magnific
This intervention comes at a time when fires seriously disrupt economic activity in the South-West. In Gironde, the government itself reported more than 13,000 businesses evacuated and deprived of the possibility of operating normally. A partial activity system must also make it possible to support businesses directly or indirectly affected by the consequences of the disaster.
“Provide rapid, concrete and appropriate support“
THE PRO BTP device doesn’t stop at businesses. For employees, retirees and other individual members affected or evacuated, the group is mobilizing a exceptional relief fund of 5 million euros.
Individual emergency aid of up to 500 euros must make it possible to respond to the first expenses linked to the disaster and evacuations. The members concerned were informed by email and can consult the practical details of the system on the PRO BTP information media. This aid comes at a time when several tens of thousands of people had to leave their homes in Gironde and that the economic consequences of the disaster extend well beyond the areas directly traversed by the flames.
For Hervé Naerhuysen, the general director of PRO BTP, the situation requires an immediate response from the group to professionals in the sector. “The fires currently affecting several territories are a reminder of how solidarity is essential in the most difficult times.“, he explains, emphasizing the need to provide “rapid, concrete and adapted support” to companies, craftsmen, employees and retirees in construction and construction faced with the consequences of fires.
Construction directly exposed to the consequences of fires
For the building and construction companiesthe difficulties are not limited to material damage that could be caused by the flames. L’evacuation of a sector also leads to the cessation of construction sitesthe impossibility of accessing facilities, supply difficulties or even the furloughing of employees.
In the areas concerned, the question of restarting activity therefore already arises while firefighting operations are still underway. In Gironde, the fire is considered stabilized but not fixedaccording to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, while the authorities remain particularly vigilant in the face of the return of unfavorable weather conditions. Moreover, the rise in temperatures and the drying of the air raise fears of further resurgences. After a weather-related lull, temperatures are expected to reach up to 40°C with drier winds, parameters once again complicating the work of the emergency services.
On the ground, firefighters are continuing operations to flood and treat residual fires, sometimes deeply buried in sandy soils. The fire can continue to smolder under the stumps and reappear several hours after the teams have passed. © AFP
The return to normal should be gradual for residents and businesses alike. In this context, economic and social aid measures take on particular importance for a sector in which part of the activities rely directly onaccess to construction sites and disaster-stricken areas. In Gironde, authorities and economic players are already expecting lasting consequences for local businesses, while relief and security operations are still underway. Of the solidarity calls are also being launched to companies with construction machinery.
Faced with the fires hitting the Gironde, companies with construction equipment are called upon to mobilize. Excavators, bulldozers and other heavy equipment can be used to create access, secure threatened areas and facilitate emergency response. In an emergency context, each available piece of equipment can contribute to strengthening the resources deployed on the ground. © the.men.of.the.construction site
