All flames are prohibited for the time being. in the natural areas of the commune of Collioure (Pyrénées-Orientales). The municipality took a arrested last May to prohibit grilling in natural and non-urbanized areas, as soon as the north wind blows at more than 40 km/h. And faced with the risk of fire, decreed high in the Albères, and the vigilance imposed by the prefecture, the municipal police carry out daily roundsin addition to that of the inter-municipal civil security reserve.
“It is the use of flame that is prohibited”
The decree therefore concerns grills but also the plancha or gas stoves, which campers or people picnicking in the town could use. “And that until further notice!“says Guy Llobet, Mayor of Collioure. And to enforce the ban, the municipal police of the town carry out two to three rounds a day, on the Chemin des Crêtes and at the Hermitage of Notre-Dame de Consolation, where two traffic lights are listed with the prefecture.
On site, the manager Frédéric Pérez also ensures: “I follow the posts of the prefecture every day, I am in permanent contact with the municipal police and so I can call each group that has booked to tell them whether or not they can grill when they come.“A daily adaptation that impacts site traffic. “Because of this ban, there are half as many people who come to picnic herei”, notes the manager.
Vigilance also on all trails that overlook the town. “VSEvery day we go through the forest tracks of defense against fires”, specifies Alexandre Cadé, head of the municipal police of Collioure. ” These are specialized lanes, not open to general traffic, but which are used by farmers and hikers, this allows us to check that there is not a motorhome parked at the entrance having a barbecue.“.
Same constraints as for an exceptional fire risk zone
Thus the municipality of Collioure, although classified as high risk in the face of the risk of forest fires, complies with the same constraints than those of the higher level of vigilance: the exceptional risk of fire. “In summer in Collioure we go from 2,400 inhabitants to more than 10,000, we cannot afford to take any risks,” explains the first magistrate of the town, before warning: * “If a violation of the ban on grilling is noted, *the fine starts at €68 but can go up to €150 depending on the decision of the public prosecutor’s officer.”
