Météo France has placed the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Aude and the Gard on a “very high” (red) risk level for forest fires this Monday, according to its latest bulletin from the forest weather. These departments are facing weather conditions that are particularly conducive to the rapid spread of fires.
Fire brigades and emergency services in these areas are on high alert, with resources pre-positioned to respond rapidly in the event of a fire breaking out. Aerial and ground surveillance teams have been mobilised to detect and contain any emerging fires before they spread.
Five further departments on orange alert
Meanwhile, five departments in the south are classified as ‘high’ risk (orange): Hérault, Ardèche, Drôme, Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhône. In these areas, local authorities are urging people to be vigilant, in particular by avoiding activities that could cause sparks in or near wooded areas.
The fire services in these departments are also boosting their staffing levels and operational resources, with targeted patrols in the areas most at risk. The map of current fires enables you to monitor developments in real time.
For the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Aude and the Gard, this red alert has been issued against a backdrop of persistent drought and strong winds, which are increasing the risk of fire.