French firefighters stabilize Aude blaze while high risks keep forests closed

French emergency services have stabilized a 100-hectare wildfire near Montséret in the Aude department, though high fire risks persist across southern France. Firefighters deployed 240 personnel, 60 vehicles, and ten aircraft to halt the blaze's advance toward Saint-André-de-Roquelongue. Meanwhile, the nearby Puilaurens fire remains active across 225 hectares of inaccessible terrain in the Corbières massif.

Authorities in the Var department have restricted public access to seven forest massifs due to severe environmental risks, despite extinguishing local blazes. In Gironde, where the major wildfire is contained and no longer progressing, Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu scheduled an August 17 visit to initiate regional recovery efforts. Official figures report that wildfires have destroyed 115,000 hectares across France this year.

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