A prefectural decree has just launched the 2024 forest fire campaign. It concerns in particular the regulation of all work and access to forest areas. All the information can be found on the Hérault prefecture website. Warning maps are available every day. They are updated the day before at 5:30 p.m.
Each year, during the summer period, more than 20% of forest fires are due to work by professionals or individuals. Mechanical work (agricultural, forestry) as well as outdoor work requiring the use of cutting, welding and abrasion equipment such as welding station, blowtorch, grinder, grinder, etc. are likely to cause fires when the conditions are unfavorable (severe drought, low humidity, windy period). In 2019, two major forest fires, caused by works, alone burned more than 340 ha of forest (the equivalent of 500 football fields).
Change behaviors
The use of work equipment or machinery in areas exposed to forest fires (forest areas and less than 200 meters from them) is regulated according to the “forest fire” vigilance level. The objective of implementing this regulation is to change behavior in order to significantly reduce fires of accidental origin, particularly those linked to work. Individuals and professionals must take into account the fire sensitivity of Mediterranean natural areas by adapting behaviors and practices. The implementation of this vigilance must contribute to improving this consideration and thus acting effectively on reducing accidental causes of fire outbreaks. In Biterrois, the Caroux and Mont Saint-Loup massifs in Agde are particularly affected.
A prefectural decree of June 25 established a departmental vigilance map. It can be consulted every day on the website of the Hérault prefecture and updated the day before for the following day at 5:30 p.m. (https://www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/herault/index.html).
Color codes are easy to understand
Vert : access is authorized on the sites as well as agricultural work. It is advisable to put in place precautionary measures and never light a fire in winds greater than 40 km/h. The easiest way is to contact the nearest fire station to ask for advice.
Jaune : access to sites is authorized and work is carried out provided that safety is perfectly ensured by an appropriate prevention and extinguishing system.
Orange : access is not recommended to forest sites and work is authorized from 5 a.m. to noon, subject to a fire extinguisher system. Work with combine harvesters from midnight to noon on certain massifs (Consult the prefecture website).
Rouge : access is prohibited to all forest sites, it is strongly recommended not to walk in wooded areas around the massifs concerned. And all work is prohibited.
