After hours of major operations there is for the first time cautious cause for relief in southern France. The devastating forest fire on the border of the departments Hérault and Aude is now considered under control. French authorities speak of a “fixierten” fire. However, this term does not mean that the blaze is completely extinguished. Rather, the flames are no longer spreading uncontrollably. For the emergency services, the work is by no means over.
The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the commune of Oupia in the department of Hérault. Favored by strong winds and desiccated vegetation, the flames carried across the border into the neighboring department of Aude within a short time. The speed at which the fire developed presented enormous challenges to the rescue teams.
In the end, the fire left a swath of devastation. Around 900 hectares of vegetation fell victim to the flames. Entire forest and scrubland areas were transformed into scorched land within a few hours. Especially in this region, where dry summers meet dense growth, often just a few sparks are enough to trigger a major fire.
At times up to 800 firefighters were fighting the blaze simultaneously. They received aerial support from Canadair water-bombers, Dash aircraft as well as firefighting helicopters that continuously dropped water over the hotspots. The coordinated operation on the ground and in the air finally prevented further spread of the flames.
For many residents the fire still meant anxious hours. Several villages had to be evacuated as a precaution, and elsewhere authorities urged people not to leave their homes. Roads were closed while dense smoke settled for kilometers across the landscape and remained visible from a great distance. The restrictions served not only to protect the population but also to facilitate the work of the rescue teams.
Although the main fire front has now been stopped, the situation remains tense. Numerous smoldering hotspots continue to burn in the affected areas. Even a strong gust of wind can turn seemingly harmless remnants into open flames again. That is precisely why firefighters are now concentrating on locating every single smoldering spot and extinguishing it completely. This phase of a forest fire often lasts many hours or even several days.
Added to this is the still critical weather situation. Very high to maximum wildfire warning levels still apply to large parts of southern France. Meteorologists expect high temperatures again and strengthening winds – a dangerous combination that can favor new fires at any time. Already contained fires could also flare up again under such conditions.
The authorities therefore urgently appeal to the public to exercise the utmost caution. Forest areas should be avoided if possible, bans strictly observed and any behavior that could cause sparks avoided. The current fire once again shows how quickly a single ignition source can develop into a catastrophe – and how decisive rapid action, modern firefighting technology and the cooperation of the emergency services are for the protection of people and nature.