French firefighters stabilize key blazes as fire risk remains high in south

Firefighters in southern France continue to manage active and contained blazes across multiple departments. In the Aude department, the wildfire in Puilaurens remains active across 225 hectares, with emergency services struggling against steep, inaccessible terrain despite the flames losing intensity. Meanwhile, a 100-hectare fire in nearby Montséret has been successfully contained following a rapid aerial and ground response.

Authorities in the Var region have completely extinguished local blazes but restricted public access to seven forest massifs due to extreme ongoing fire risks. Fires in the Drôme and Gironde departments have also been controlled or halted.

Official figures indicate wildfires have consumed 115,000 hectares of land across France this year. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a visit to Gironde on 17 August to initiate reconstruction efforts in affected zones.

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