French firefighters stabilize major wildfires as blazes burn 115,000 hectares nationwide

French emergency services have contained several major wildfires across the country, though active hotspots remain in challenging terrain. In the southern department of Aude, firefighters stabilized a 100-hectare fire near Montséret, while a separate 225-hectare blaze in Puilaurens remains active due to steep, inaccessible areas.

Meanwhile, officials in the Var department reported that blazes have been extinguished, though severe fire risks led authorities to ban access to seven forest massifs. Wildfire activity has also halted in Drôme and Gironde. In Gironde, Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu is scheduled to visit on August 17 to initiate regional reconstruction plans. Official records indicate that wildfires have burned over 115,000 hectares across France since the beginning of the year.

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