French emergency services contain major wildfires as high-risk conditions persist

Emergency services across southern France have stabilized several major wildfires, though severe weather conditions keep authorities on high alert. In the Aude department, a blaze near Montséret was brought under control after burning approximately 100 hectares, while an active fire near Puilaurens remains contained within a 225-hectare perimeter despite inaccessible terrain.

In the Var department, firefighters extinguished a primary blaze, but prefectural authorities banned public access to seven forest massifs due to extreme risks. Fires in Drôme and Gironde have also stopped advancing. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced an August 17 visit to Gironde to oversee local rehabilitation efforts. Official records indicate wildfires have consumed over 115,000 hectares across France this year.

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