Regions face risks to varying degrees
France has 16.5 million hectares of woodland. All of these areas are at risk of catching fire in the event of negligence. Some areas are more prone to fires than others. Indeed, the hot, dry climate of the Mediterranean region, the Landes and Corsica encourages the outbreak of fires. During the summer, the high number of tourists visiting these regions is an aggravating risk factor.
When do we talk about a fire?
A forest fire is defined as a fire affecting a minimum area of 0.5 hectares in a single contiguous area, where at least part of the shrub and/or tree layers is destroyed. The term ‘fire’ also applies to smaller sub-forest formations such as maquis, garrigue and heathland. In France, on average, 80 per cent of forest fires occur in the Mediterranean basin and the Landes massif. Forest fires can be caused by natural or human factors. Where human activity is to blame, the cause may be deliberate, accidental or infrastructure-related.
Protecting the forest: the DFCI in action
The fight against forest fires begins well before any fires break out, through a proactive risk-prevention policy.
The MAAF’s departments therefore provide financial support for:
- to maintain and develop forest fire defence infrastructure (DFCI) in forest areas (in particular water sources, watchtowers, fuel breaks and DFCI tracks),
- to help assess the fire risk associated with the dryness of the vegetation cover,
- to carry out surveillance and first-response patrols, notably through the mobilisation of nearly a thousand specialist forest rangers from the State’s decentralised services (DDT(M) and the National Forestry Office (ONF)), and in partnership with the forest fire brigades of certain departmental councils),
- work with local mayors to ensure compliance with the mandatory brush-clearing measures around homes and along certain infrastructure.
Furthermore, the establishment of multidisciplinary teams to investigate the causes of fires – comprising, for each Mediterranean department, a firefighter (SDIS), a forester (ONF), and a criminal investigation officer (police and gendarmerie services) helps to strengthen efforts to reduce the number of fires caused by human activity. Thanks to this approach, the number of forest fires has been reduced by more than 20 per cent since 2003 in the Mediterranean region.
It should be noted that in the Landes de Gascogne, forest owners contribute directly to the funding of the DFCI through a per-hectare levy paid to authorised DFCI trade associations (ASA).
A permanent job
The MAAF has entrusted the National Forestry Office (ONF) with a public interest mission (MIG) relating to forest fire prevention and control. Throughout the year, the ONF’s forest fire prevention and control service works to minimise the risk of forest fires. Indeed, in all its activities relating to the sustainable management of public forests, the ONF incorporates the protection of forests against fire risks. This involves specific silvicultural measures and infrastructure integrated into forest management plans, as well as the implementation of protective works in forests exposed to this risk.
The ONF’s DFCI service operates round the clock to prevent and combat fire risks. Teams of workers are responsible, all year round, for maintaining tracks, water points and signposting. During high-risk periods, surveillance patrols are tasked with detecting the outbreak of fires, raising the alarm, carrying out initial interventions on emerging fires and directing the emergency services. They also play a role in providing information and raising public awareness. In crisis situations, such as during forest fires, the ONF is present at the scene and provides support to the rescue operations commander (COS). After a fire, the ONF provides its expertise: legal support to government departments, emergency works to minimise risks, expert assessments and studies on ecological restoration, and participation in lessons-learnt reviews.
In the Mediterranean region, the Mediterranean Forest Protection Delegation is responsible, in particular, for coordinating prevention measures across the 15 departments of the Southern Defence Zone. Finally, some departmental councils have set up teams of forest fire-fighters to carry out prevention work and respond to incipient fires.
Further information is available on the ONF website
The right things to do
Whilst forest fire prevention measures protect our forests and minimise the risk of fire, caution and responsible behaviour on the part of every individual remain key to preserving our forest heritage.
So, in the forest:
- Do not light a fire or barbecue,
- Do not throw away cigarettes,
- Keep forest tracks clear for the emergency services,
- Camp only in authorised areas,
- Please observe access restrictions during high-risk periods.
Finally, in the event of a fire, certain actions can save lives. The most important thing is to stay calm. You should:
- Alert the fire brigade by dialling 18,
- Move away in the opposite direction to the fire,
- Breathe through a damp cloth to minimise the harmful effects of toxic fumes
Cooperatives and private forestry operators: sound management
In private forests, some forestry co-operatives work with the DFCI to create forest tracks, which serve both fire-fighting and forest management purposes. Furthermore, forest owners, often supported by their managing co-operative, play a part in combating forest fires whilst enhancing the value of their property. As highlighted in the recent National Forest and Timber Programme: “The development of a preventative management approach will address both fire risk management and the increased use of timber.” By actively managing their forests in accordance with a management plan, these landowners harvest and utilise timber for energy purposes, make the most of the timber from their forests, and at the same time clear the undergrowth, thereby significantly reducing the risk of fires spreading.