French firefighters contain Corbières blaze as extreme fire risks persist

Emergency crews in southern France have stabilized a wildfire that burned 100 hectares in the Corbières massif near Montséret, following temporary confinement orders for nearby residents. Meanwhile, a separate fire near Puilaurens remains active across 225 hectares of rugged terrain, where firefighters face significant access challenges to extinguish remaining hotspots.

Conditions across other affected regions have shown improvement. Authorities reported that blazes in Gironde and Drôme have stopped progressing, while a wildfire in the Var department was fully put out. However, extreme fire danger prompted local officials in Var to restrict public access to seven forest areas. Interior Ministry estimates indicate nearly 115,000 hectares have burned nationwide this year. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu is scheduled to visit Gironde on 17 August to launch reconstruction efforts in damaged regions.

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