Firefighters contain key blazes across southern France as recovery plans begin

Emergency crews in southern France have contained several major wildfires, including a blaze in the Corbières massif in the Aude department after it swept through 100 hectares near Montséret. Although firefighters stabilized its perimeter, a separate fire in Puilaurens remains active across 225 hectares due to steep, inaccessible terrain.

Elsewhere, authorities in the Var department reported that a local fire has been extinguished, though access to seven forest areas remains restricted because of elevated wildfire risks. Blazes in the Drôme department are contained, while the large fire in Gironde has stopped advancing. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu is scheduled to visit Gironde on August 17 to initiate recovery efforts. Official data indicates that wildfires have burned 115,000 hectares across France this year.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.