It seems to me that a lot of these fires are started deliberately. The state bans firework displays but I’m not aware of any of these fires having been started by fireworks. In my opinion firework displays at fetes should be allowed to take place on condition the pompiers are present to put them out if there’s an accident.
We used to live in Languedoc and moved north to Charente to escape climate change but didn’t realise how fast it’s accelerating. Now in Charente we have the summer we used to have near Béziers but without appropriate plants in our gardens. Think I need to go out and buy some Oleanders.
I realised climate change was irreverible during Covid when the whole world stopped activities but it carried on getting hotter. I think we had a fighting chance of pushing back on it until people created cryptocurrency and AI which use the power of small countries. I regard it as unethical to use AI unless there is no easier way to answer an important question.
sadly some fires are, indeed, started deliberately. I cannot imagine how someone would feel if they learn that they have caused deaths and destruction. Thankfully they are in the minority.. most fires are caused by an accidental happening.
Many fires can start with just a single spark eg when metal hits a stone in a parched field (harvest etc) or an ember/something is carried by a breeze from barbecue to the dryness around and whoooosh.
Now water supplies to douse the area must be arranged for whomever is doing the work.. etc etc
Having witnessed how easily a fire can start and spread, I am happy to abide by all safety measures.
Pompiers are over-stretched as it is.. retaining them to watch-over a firework display is not using their expertise to best advantage.
Good advice is given and, if followed, all should be well.
Fireworks, bonfires, barbecues and all sorts of stuff are now banned or strictly controlled in many areas. If Joe Public takes it all onboard and complies, things should get better.
Incidentally, cigarette butts are equally dangerous and the smoker should ensure butts are stubbed out in an ashtray or in water…never tossed away or dropped onto the ground..
One good thing to come out of this is that the government have finally been brought to task and are discussing about financing more fire fighting planes, helicopters, ground equipment etc because in reality, things are never going to change and fire will always be the greatest threat during the summer months.
Maybe organised firework displays are safe but there was a fire in Narbonne not that long ago when a man let off fireworks on his land. That took out a hectare of garrigue.
Another fire was started by two young men who decided to have a BBQ in the countryside, a local beauty spot. It got out of control and from memory, that was 45 hectares or so. They had the decency to turn themselves in. Then there was the idiot last year, towing his mobile fire pit on the motorway, without realising said fire pit still had glowing embers, 1450 hectares gone thanks to him.
I’m sure no one thinks it will happen to them, but every year the same things keep occurring.
That’s hopeful, isn’t it? I read earlier that the EU has sent help to fight the fire as well.
I’m adjusting too (12) but won’t plant any suitable replacements before late Sept.
The July 14th fireworks display at the Cité in Carcassonne set fire to and damaged one of the castle towers in 2019. They’ve been cancelled a few times since then and I think they’ll be cancelled this year as well.
I didn’t realise it was firework damage, that’s awful. It will be a shame if they’re cancelled but I would understand why.
I checked on the situation here and they seem to be doing fireworks on the beach. Hopefully everyone will be safe.
All fireworks have now been banned in Aude by prefectural decree with just a few exceptions. Carcassonne and Narbonne are not part of the exceptions so it looks like the Cité firework display will again be canceled.
We’ve been put on the ‘very severe’ level of risk for fire here. The area seems to cover most of the eastern part of Aude and the black mountain area.
Here too. Tonight might prove worrying regarding France v Morocco and the burning of cars in the city or anywhere else the losers might take umbrage.
Having. siesta but woken up by constant aircraft overhead. Another fire has broken out at Rivesaltes just north of the runway of the airport here. That’s where they produce the lovely sweet red desert wine so hope not too many vines are ruined and that people and property are safe. Getting a bit too close to home now to be honest and the sky does look a bit smoky. Just read paper and another fire south of Perp near Leroy Merlin is being tackled by planes and helicopters. My hosepipes are connected and ready to go if anything happens near to me so I can dampen stuff down; Looking on flight radar locally you can see the tracking of all the fire fighting aircraft going round and round in circles to the lagoons and lakes locally for water
Bon courage Shiba, I hope it stays away from you and that you don’t have that smell lingering as a reminder of how grim it is.
Just looked out of the front bedroom window and see a line of TRACTOR aircraft going back towards Perp. Are your family still in Isle de Tet, if so, hope they are safe. The other side of this family down the road in Canet village said they could taste the smoke on Sunday night, I could only smell and see it in the distance and the Canigou was completely blotted out
Stay safe, try not to go out in it xx
Stay safe everyone, I hope non of you get caught up in it.
Just seen the Stansted flight into Perp has gone to Bèziers for a while and will return here later to discharge and pick up passengers to go back to London as there is so much traffic landing and refuelling to fight fires they don’t want a big jet landing there too. Just seen a third fire has broken out at Elne to the south west towards St.Cyprien. What the hell is going on to cause all these at once
It’s starting to sound like more than a coincidence, isn’t it? If it’s deliberate, they’re sick, sick people.
Yes dumping excess aircraft fuel is probably not good, do they still do that?