Reinforced vigilance in the face of fires, which you need to know before leaving

The South of France is in the middle of the summer, but a shadow flat above the cicadas: the fires are back, and they strike hard. Meanwhile, In Audean exceptional fire has declared itself, forcing the authorities to place the region under close surveillance. Moreover, It is not a first, but the intensity of the blaze and its lightning progression mark a turning point. Consequently, Before completing your suitcase, it is better to take stock of the situation to avoid unpleasant surprises on the spot.

An reinforced vigilance face fires, which exceptional situation in the Aude: when the flames gain ground

Since August 6, an important fire broke out near the small village of Ribautein Aude, not far from the Spanish border. Moreover, In just 24 hours. Consequently, more than 10 000 hectares Vegetation went up in smoke – the equivalent of a Paris and a half, according to Time Out. However, A record that makes this fire The largest identified in France for 70 yearsaccording to local authorities. Suffice to say that the south of France had not seen this for decades.

The flames spread at full speed, carried by an explosive cocktail: Dry wind, overwhelming heat and thirsty vegetation. Result ? Closed roads, partially evacuated hamlets and more 800 firefighters mobilized day and night to contain the fire. On the spot. airlines – Canada and reinforced vigilance face fires, which helicopters – take turns to slow down the advancement of fire, but the task remains titanic.

Fortunately, no death is to be deplored for the moment, although some firefighters have been slightly injured. The Aude prefecture calls residents. tourists to Avoid wooded areas, to stay connected to local alerts, and especially not to play the adventurers by wanting to approach the fire.

The Mediterranean remains beautiful, the welcoming beaches, but this episode recalls that the South, however solar as it is, is also vulnerable in the face of climate change. And if you had planned a hike in the garrigue. a picnic by a pine forest, it may be time to review the route a little.

Traveling in the South: Stay Zen. but informed

The big question that agitates the family WhatsApps: Can we still go to the south on vacation? reinforced vigilance face fires, which The answer is yes … but with discernment. Not all areas are affected by fires, and the main seaside resorts remain accessible and operational. Nevertheless, you have to be vigilant, because the situation evolves very quickly.

According to the advice of Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office British (yes, they too keep an eye on our summers), fires can arise everywhere on French territory, especially along the Mediterranean and in Corsica. Clearly: do not panic, but be careful.

The reflex to adopt before departure? Consult the Vigilance Forest Fire card Update daily on the Météo-France site. A red zone = high risk = to be avoided absolutely. And once on site. follow the local instructions, whether temporary prohibitions for access to forest massifs or recommendations in the event of smoke or evacuation.

In the event of a glitch, two numbers reinforced vigilance face fires, which to remember: the 18th (firefighters) and the 112 (European emergencies). We obviously hope that you will never have to compose them. but it is better to have them in mind than to count on a capricious network at the top of Mont Ventoux.

On the practical side, some travel companies make it possible to modify or cancel free of charge, especially if you are in a affected area. If you have booked a stay via an agency. a tour operator, take a look at your rights as a European consumer: in the event of evacuation or change of unmanned program, compensation can be possible.

Finally, common sense is your best ally. If you see smoke on the horizon, it’s not time to take photos for Instagram. And if help asking you to stretch, do it without hesitation-your vacation can reinforced vigilance face fires, which continue elsewhere, in complete safety.