French emergency crews stabilize Corbières wildfire as nationwide risk persists

Emergency services in southern France have stabilized a wildfire in the Corbières massif after it burned 100 hectares across the Aude department. Firefighters, supported by aircraft, contained the blaze near Montséret following local confinement orders. However, a separate fire in Puilaurens remains active, holding at 225 hectares, as steep terrain complicates efforts to extinguish lingering hotspots.

Elsewhere in France, fire conditions show gradual stabilization. Officials reported that blazes in Gironde and Drôme have stopped advancing, while an outbreak in Var was extinguished. Despite these developments, extreme fire risk prompted Var authorities to restrict access to seven forest massifs. French interior ministry data indicates that wildfires have burned nearly 115,000 hectares nationwide this year. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu is scheduled to visit Gironde on 17 August to launch recovery initiatives in fire-damaged areas.

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