French firefighters stabilize key wildfires as severe risks persist in the south

French emergency services have contained several major wildfires across southern France, though high risks persist. In the Aude department, crews stabilized a 100-hectare blaze near Montséret, 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 banned 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 launch post-fire reconstruction efforts.

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