French emergency crews contain Aude wildfire as nationwide damage rises

Firefighters in France have contained a wildfire in the Corbières area of the Aude department after it burned 100 hectares near Montséret. However, a separate 225-hectare blaze near Puilaurens remains active due to steep, inaccessible terrain. Meanwhile, emergency personnel reported progress in other regions, with fires extinguished in Var, fixed in Drôme, and no longer advancing in Gironde.

Official figures indicate that wildfires have consumed over 115,000 hectares across France since the beginning of the year. In response to extreme risks, authorities in the Var department banned public access to seven forest massifs. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced he will travel to Gironde on August 17 to initiate reconstruction efforts for affected communities. Fire crews remain on high alert as difficult weather conditions persist.

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