Every summer, forest fires multiply and wreak havoc. We all remember the thousands of hectares of forest burnt in the south of Gironde last summer. To prevent such disasters from happening again, here are some tips on how to avoid forest and vegetation fires.
Drought and carelessness: the explosive factors behind forest fires
Last year, forest fires reached record levels in France, destroying more than 30,000 hectares in the Arcachon basin and southern Gironde. Climate change plays a significant role in increasing the risk of wildfire. In summer, scorching temperatures and increased drought make our precious forests particularly vulnerable. However, 90% of forest fires are of human origin, half of which are due to carelessness and dangerous behavior. With this in mind, prevention is the best way to deal with the risk of fire.
What can you do to prevent and protect yourself from fire?
- Respect the restrictions and prohibitions on access to forests and massifs on hot days.
- Choose authorized camping areas and respect the rules governing open-air fires.
- Don’t light fires, stoves or barbecues near forests.
- Never throw cigarette butts into the forest or out of your car window. A single cigarette butt can set several hectares of forest ablaze.
- Do not carry out DIY work with equipment likely to cause sparks (brushcutters, chain saws, grinders, etc.).
- Don’t store fuel (wood, fuel oil, butane) against your house. Clear away plant debris, brush and dead branches near your home.
- If you see a fire starting, call 18, 112 or 114 (hearing-impaired people), pinpointing the location of the fire. Then take cover in a building, depending on the severity of the fire.
The Landes de Gascogne forest, a natural heritage to be protected
Located in south-west France, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the Landes de Gascogne forest covers some one million hectares, mainly composed of maritime pines. Initiated by Napoleon III in 1857 to drain the marshes and make the land more fertile, it is now the largest artificial forest in Western Europe.
This vast expanse of forest is of major interest on several levels. As the green lung of the South-West, the Landes de Gascogne forest plays an essential role in the fight against global warming. Through photosynthesis, trees act as carbon sinks. They absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and transform it into carbon, which they store in their wood.
Economically speaking, the Landes forest is an essential resource for the region, providing timber for numerous sawmills. Without this activity, the forest would fall prey to the flames for lack of maintenance.
The Landes de Gascogne forest is also a prime location for green tourism, offering a perfect blend of unspoilt nature and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore its forest trails on foot, by bike, on horseback or by canoe-kayak, while the Forêt d’Art Contemporain offers the curious the chance to discover works of art right in the heart of nature.