French firefighters stabilize key blazes as fire risks remain elevated

Firefighters in southern France have stabilized several major blazes, though high fire risks persist across multiple regions. In the Aude department, emergency crews contained a wildfire near Montséret that burned 100 hectares, while a 225-hectare fire near Puilaurens remains active in hard-to-reach terrain.

Meanwhile, fires in the Drôme region are contained, and the massive wildfire in Gironde has stopped advancing. In the Var department, where the primary fire was extinguished, authorities prohibited public access to seven forest massifs due to severe fire hazards.

Official estimates indicate over 115,000 hectares have burned across France this year. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced he will visit Gironde on August 17 to initiate post-fire reconstruction efforts.

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