French firefighters contain key southern blazes as yearly burn totals top 115,000 hectares

French emergency services have stabilized several key wildfires across the south of the country, though persistent hazards remain. In the Aude department, firefighters successfully contained a 100-hectare fire near Montséret, while a 225-hectare blaze in Puilaurens remained active in steep, inaccessible terrain despite its spread being halted. Authorities in the Var region completely extinguished local fires, but restricted public access to seven forest massifs due to extreme risks.

Meanwhile, the massive wildfire in Gironde is no longer advancing, allowing Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu to schedule an August 17 visit to initiate regional restoration efforts. Official ministry data indicates that wildfires have destroyed more than 115,000 hectares across France since the start of the year.

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