Some 2,500 police have tore down flaming barricades and fired tear gas at activists in western France. One police officer was injured and at least one person was arrested. The police were evacuating a protest camp erected nearly a decade ago to block the construction of an airport. Proponents had argued the region needed a larger airport to boost its economic prospects. Opponents said a new airport was unnecessary, is a symbol of exploitative globalization, and threatens the unique ecosystem of the area. The French government abandoned plans for the airport in January after 50 years of debate, and gave the activists until spring to clear out, but many chose to stay.