Seven out of 10 fires are directly linked to acts of recklessness, much more than malicious acts. In this context, training staff and raising public awareness of risky behavior is a major challenge in contributing significantly to the reduction in fire outbreaks.
The South Region has just presented the coats of arms to the members of its regional forest guard. In all, 250 young people were presented with these badges by François de Canson, vice-president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Council during a ceremony which took place at the Regional Hall in Marseilles.
Created in 2018, the Regional Forest Guard is made up of young people aged 18 to 25. It aims to improve surveillance and raise awareness around fires.
Among these young 2024 forest guards having notably followed several qualifying training courses (theoretical, personalized field, first aid labeled PSC1, etc.) more than fifty are assigned to Vaucluse.
There are 5 guards monitoring the forests of the Pays de Sorgues and Monts du Vaucluse territory, 24 for the Ventoux Regional Natural Park and 28 for the Luberon Regional Natural Park which extends mainly in Vaucluse but also in the Alps. -de-Haute-Provence.
For 2024, the South Region allocates a budget of €1.76M for this forest guard whose aim is to preserve natural environments and prevent the risk of fire.
Since 2018, the southern region has been carrying out a ‘fire war’ plan to fight fires and has invested nearly 35 million euros in this plan.
“This year, €7.2 million is dedicated to firefighting with the support of European funds. 3 axes are put in place: prevent, combat and rebuild,” recalls François de Canson.
The territories concerned:
- Pays de Sorgues and the Monts du Vaucluse,
- Grand Site Sainte-Victoire,
- Luberon Regional Natural Park,
- Alpilles Regional Natural Park,
- Sainte-Baume Regional Natural Park,
- Verdon Regional Natural Park,
- Prealps Regional Natural Park,
- Mont-Ventoux Regional Natural Park,
- Camargue Regional Natural Park,
- Baronnies Regional Natural Park,
- Queyras Regional Natural Park,
- Port-Cros National Park,
- Calanques National Park,
- Mediterranean Community of Communes Porte des Maures,
- Municipality of Allauch,
- Battalion of Marseille firefighters,
- Municipality of Roquebrune-sur-Argens,
- Mixed union of the Estérel massif,
- Community of Communes Alpes d’Azur,
- Mercantour National Park,
- National Forestry Office (ONF): Lérins Islands site.
Sarah Ripert & L.G.
