Firefighters stabilize several blazes across southern France as high risk persists

Emergency services in southern France have contained several major wildfires, though high fire risks remain across multiple regions. In the Aude department, a blaze near Montséret that scorched 100 hectares was brought under control following a rapid deployment of 240 firefighters and ten aircraft. Authorities had earlier instructed residents in neighboring Saint-André-de-Roquelongue to shelter indoors. Meanwhile, the nearby Puilaurens fire stabilized at 225 hectares but remains active in difficult terrain.

In the Var department, firefighters completely extinguished the primary fire, though local officials closed access to seven forest massifs due to extreme conditions. Flames in Gironde and Drôme have also ceased advancing. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a planned visit to Gironde on August 17 to launch reconstruction efforts. Official data indicates that wildfires have destroyed over 115,000 hectares across France this year.

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