At the start of the year, the Aveyron firefighters (SDIS 12) have once again demonstrated their commitment to fire prevention. In Sauclières, in unusual conditions to say the least – under the snow and freezing cold – around forty of them carried out a prescribed burning project, a technique as impressive as it was effective.
What is prescribed burning?
Prescribed burning, often unknown to the general public, is an operation voluntarily initiated to reduce natural fuels such as brush, dry grasses and small woods in sensitive areas. The objective? Prevent forest fires by reducing the quantity of flammable materials. This method, which combines science and tradition, also makes it possible to promote sustainable management of natural areas, particularly in heaths, pastures and wastelands.
An essential tool for prevention
Despite the unusual winter conditions, this intervention was carried out with remarkable mastery by the Aveyron firefighters. Supervised by specialists trained in this practice, the operation followed a strict protocol to guarantee the safety of stakeholders, local residents and ecosystems. The cold and snow, far from being an obstacle, offer ideal conditions for this type of burning, because they limit the risks of uncontrolled spread.
Beyond its immediate effectiveness, controlled burning is part of a long-term protection approach. It helps limit the frequency and intensity of fires while maintaining an ecological balance in the areas concerned. In addition, this technique helps raise awareness among the public and local stakeholders of the importance of proactive management of natural risks.
-Original article published on 12actu.com
