French firefighters contain Aude wildfire as active hotspots remain in difficult terrain

French emergency services have contained the wildfire near Montséret in the Aude department after it burned approximately 100 hectares. While the Corbières area fire is now stabilized, firefighters continue struggling with another active blaze in Puilaurens. That fire has burned 225 hectares, and although its perimeter remains stable, local authorities cautioned that it remains "actif" due to lingering hotspots in inaccessible terrain.

Across France, fire conditions show mixed progress. Outbreaks in Gironde and Drôme have stopped advancing, and the fire in Var is extinguished. However, prefecture officials in Var banned access to seven forest massifs because of severe risk levels. Official statistics indicate that wildfires have consumed nearly 115,000 hectares across France this year. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu will visit Gironde on 17 August to launch recovery efforts in affected regions.

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