French firefighters stabilize southern wildfires as recovery efforts take shape

Firefighters in southern France have contained major wildfires across the Aude department, including blazes near Montséret and Puilaurens. The Montséret fire, which burned 100 hectares, triggered brief confinement orders for neighboring residents before emergency crews stabilized the perimeter. Meanwhile, the 225-hectare blaze in Puilaurens remains active in inaccessible terrain but is no longer expanding.

Nationwide, conditions are gradually stabilizing. The wildfire in the Var region has been fully extinguished, although local authorities have barred public access to seven forest massifs due to severe lingering fire risks. In Gironde, the massive wildfire is now contained, and Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a scheduled visit on 17 August to launch regional restoration initiatives. Official estimates show wildfires have destroyed more than 115,000 hectares across France this year.

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