Protecting our forests: best practices to avoid fire outbreaks

At a time when thousands of hectares of forest are under threat from fires and human activity, here's a reminder of the rules to be observed in the Landes forest and elsewhere in France.

The forest under close surveillance

The fires that hit the Gironde region in the summer of 2022 are a reminder of one thing: our forests are fragile and under threat. The cause? Global warming, hot summer weather and drought, but that's not all.

According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, man is responsible for 9 out of 10 forest fires, sometimes through malicious intent, but more often through carelessness or ignorance of the risks. Every summer, the government puts in place a system to combat forest fires. But prevention remains the best response. Here are the best ways to avoid them.

Don't throw cigarette butts in forests or on motorway verges

Cigarette fires are unfortunately commonplace. According to a survey carried out by the Vinci Autoroutes Foundation, more than one smoker in four admits to throwing cigarette butts out of their vehicle window. This represents an average of almost 100 cigarette butts thrown out per kilometre and per day on French roads and motorways! A single cigarette butt is enough to ravage hundreds of hectares of forest! If you find yourself in this situation, be aware that you could be fined up to €135. The same applies to walkers and hikers.

As a reminder, it is strictly forbidden to smoke in areas at risk of forest fires. Signs indicating this ban are posted in the areas most at risk from fire.

Don't light fires or barbecue near forests

In France, the Forestry Code prohibits the lighting of campfires or barbecues within 200 metres of a forest or wooded area on land that you do not own. Offenders are liable to a fine of 135 euros. In the case of unauthorised camping or bivouacking, the fine can be as high as €1,500.

Collect your rubbish

Don't leave any rubbish behind. As well as polluting the environment, some rubbish can start a fire on a hot day. A glass bottle on the ground or a simple shard can, through a magnifying glass effect, cause a fire to start. The same effect can occur with an empty plastic bottle, or one containing a transparent liquid such as water.

Respect restrictions on access to flowerbeds

If there is a risk of fire, the Landes prefecture may restrict access to the Landes forest. Sports and leisure activities are prohibited. Cycling is only permitted in the mornings.

Prevention all year round

While most fire prevention measures apply specifically in summer, when the risk is greatest, fire prevention must be carried out all year round:

- Clear the undergrowth around your home: a cleared area allows fire to spread without causing major damage and makes it easier for the fire brigade to intervene.
- Don't burn your green waste: take it to a waste collection centre.
- Do not store combustible materials near your home: firewood, gas or oil tanks, paints, solvents, etc.
- Do not use tools likely to cause sparks near plants (especially when they are dry): grinders, disk saws, brush cutters, welding sets, etc.