After the Fires: Help, Support & Ways to Rebuild Lives in the Pyrénées-Orientales
The wildfires that have swept through the Pyrénées-Orientales have changed lives in a matter of hours. For some families, the loss is unimaginable: homes destroyed, belongings gone, businesses affected and the places they called home suddenly unsafe or unrecognisable.
While the immediate emergency response has been vital, the days and weeks after a wildfire are often when the reality truly begins to sink in.
A family who has lost everything does not only need food and clothing. They may need somewhere to sleep, help replacing essential items, support with paperwork, advice about insurance, help caring for animals, and practical assistance to begin rebuilding their lives.
This page aims to bring together real, practical support for people affected by the fires — and also provide a way for the wider community to come together and help.
If you need support, we hope this guide helps you find the right place to turn.
If you can offer support, even in a small way, you could make a life-changing difference to someone who has lost so much.
A Community Fund to Help Neighbours Rebuild
In the aftermath of the fires, we know that every family’s situation is different. Some may need to replace essential belongings, others may need help covering unexpected costs, temporary accommodation expenses, transport, pet care or simply the everyday things that are suddenly no longer available.
That is why we have created a community fundraiser to provide direct support to neighbours affected by the wildfires, giving them quicker access to funds and the freedom to use that support where it is needed most.
Rather than trying to decide what each family needs, the aim is to put help directly into the hands of those affected, allowing them to make their own choices and prioritise the things that matter most to them as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding.
Every donation, large or small, can help ease the pressure on families who have already lost so much.
If you would like to support neighbours affected by the fires, you can donate here:
If you are unable to donate, sharing the fundraiser with friends, family and local networks can also make a real difference.
Together, we can help our neighbours take the first steps towards rebuilding their lives.
Can You Help Someone Rebuild After the Fires?
The days and weeks after a wildfire are when the real challenges often begin. For families who have lost their homes, possessions or livelihoods, rebuilding can feel overwhelming — and practical help can make an enormous difference.
Help does not always have to come in the form of donations. Skills, time and practical assistance can be just as valuable.
We are creating a list of local people, businesses and organisations willing to support those affected by the fires.
Could you help with:
- Building work, repairs or renovation advice?
- Electrical, plumbing or other trades?
- Clearing damaged properties or gardens?
- Transport, storage or moving help?
- Translation or administrative support?
- Helping people complete forms or understand procedures?
- Donations of furniture, appliances or essential household items?
- Support for pets or animals?
- Any other practical service that could help a family get back on their feet?
If you, your business or your organisation would like to offer support, please contact us:
We will add your details to our list of available resources so that people affected by the fires know where they can turn for help.
Every offer of support, whether big or small, can help someone take the next step towards rebuilding their life.
Immediate Help & Emergency Support
Secours Populaire des Pyrénées-Orientales – Emergency Appeal for Fire Victims
The Secours Populaire des Pyrénées-Orientales has launched an emergency appeal to support individuals and families affected by the wildfires.
Donations will help provide immediate assistance, including:
- Food and essential supplies.
- Clothing.
- Hygiene kits.
- Emergency support for families who have lost their homes or been forced to evacuate.
- Activities and respite days for children affected by the fires, helping them regain a sense of normality after a traumatic experience.
Need help?
If you have been affected by the fires and need assistance, contact Secours Populaire directly to discuss the support available.
Telephone: 04 26 48 79 92
Email: contact@spf66.org
Want to donate?
Donations can be made securely online by selecting Pyrénées-Orientales (66):
https://don.secourspopulaire.fr/urgence
Helping Communities Recover: AMF66 Solidarity Fund
The Association des Maires des Pyrénées-Orientales (AMF66), supported by the Association des Maires de France, has created a solidarity fund to help communes affected by the fires.
This fund is designed to support local authorities with:
- Repairing damaged public buildings.
- Restoring essential services.
- Helping communities recover after the disaster.
Donations will be managed by AMF66, in coordination with the Prefecture, and distributed according to the needs identified by affected communes.
Account name:
AMF66 – Solidarité Communes Incendie juillet 2026
IBAN:
FR76 1348 5008 0008 0144 0038 142
BIC:
CEPAFRPP348
Important:
This fund is intended for affected communes and public infrastructure. Individuals needing personal assistance should contact their local mairie or organisations providing direct support, such as Secours Populaire.
Volunteering & Practical Help
JeVeuxAider.gouv.fr – Connecting Volunteers With Organisations
JeVeuxAider.gouv.fr is the French Government’s official volunteering platform, connecting volunteers with charities, local authorities and community organisations.
It does not provide financial aid or accommodation directly, but it helps organisations find people who can provide practical support.
Opportunities may include:
- Helping distribute essential supplies.
- Supporting community initiatives.
- Assisting vulnerable residents.
- Helping with clean-up operations.
- Supporting longer-term recovery projects.
To volunteer or register an organisation looking for volunteers:
https://www.jeveuxaider.gouv.fr/departements/pyrenees-orientales
Financial Support After the Fires
Emergency Loans for Wildfire Victims
The Caisse de Crédit Municipal de Nîmes has introduced an emergency personal loan to help people affected by the wildfires with immediate expenses.
The loan may help cover costs such as:
- Replacing essential belongings.
- Temporary accommodation.
- Unexpected living expenses.
- Restoring essential household equipment.
The emergency loan offers:
- Fixed interest rates from 3.90% (subject to approval).
- Repayment over 12 to 36 months.
- No application fees.
- Possible payment deferral of up to three months.
- Simplified procedures.
Affected residents can contact their nearest branch, including Perpignan, to discuss their situation.
More information:
https://www.credit-municipal-nimes.fr/
Please note: This is a loan, not a grant. It must be repaid and is subject to approval. Borrowers should consider their ability to repay before applying.
Housing, Accommodation & Replacing Essential Items
Losing your home or being unable to return after a wildfire is devastating. If you are affected, the following steps may help.
Emergency Accommodation
If your home is damaged or unsafe:
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your policy may include emergency accommodation.
- Contact your local mairie, which may be able to direct you towards local arrangements.
- Contact your CCAS (Centre Communal d’Action Sociale) if you need urgent social support.
Temporary Housing
If you need somewhere to stay while repairs are carried out:
- Ask your insurer what temporary accommodation your policy covers.
- Speak with your mairie about local solutions.
- Contact your CCAS or social services if you are struggling to find suitable accommodation.
If Your Home Has Been Damaged
Remember to:
- Photograph or film damage before cleaning, where safe.
- Make a list of damaged or destroyed belongings.
- Keep receipts for emergency purchases.
- Notify your insurance company quickly.
- If you rent, inform both your landlord and insurer.
For independent housing advice, contact ADIL (Agence Départementale d’Information sur le Logement).
Mental Health & Emotional Support
A wildfire can leave deep emotional scars. Losing a home, possessions, animals or a sense of security can be traumatic.
You may experience:
- Anxiety.
- Shock.
- Sleep difficulties.
- Panic.
- Feeling unable to cope.
Support is available.
CUMP – Emergency Psychological Support
The Cellule d’Urgence Médico-Psychologique (CUMP) provides psychological support following traumatic events such as disasters.
If you or a family member needs support, speak to:
- Your GP.
- Your local hospital.
- Your mairie.
- The Public Information Cell (CIP).
Public Mental Health Services
Support is also available through local public mental health services, including:
- Hospital Center Léon Jean Grégory in Thuir.
- Mental Health Center Conflent Ribéral in Prades.
- Mental Health Center Fernand Léger Pour Enfants in Perpignan.
If someone is in immediate danger or at risk of harming themselves:
Call 15 (SAMU) or 112.
A Community Rebuilding Together
The recovery from these fires will not happen overnight. Homes will need rebuilding, businesses will need support, families will need time, and many people will face challenges long after the headlines have moved on.
But communities rebuild through people helping people.
A spare room.
A piece of furniture.
A few hours of skilled work.
Help filling in paperwork.
A translation.
Every gesture matters.
If you can offer help, please contact:
If you need help and do not know where to turn, please contact us and we will do our best to connect you with available support.
Together, we can help our community recover.