Almost 4,000 hectares of forest have already gone up in smoke this year. And if we are to believe the forecasts of the National Federation of Firefighters (FNSPF), which oversees some 250,000 firefighters in France, this is only the beginning.
Last year 15,000 hectares had burned, against 5,124 in 2018. But the summer of 2020 promises for men of fire as that of "all dangers". Drought is not the only factor. "We are starting to have high temperatures and regular strong winds," said Grégory Allione, president of the FNSPF.
A unfortunately perfect combo for fires can declare all over the country. Because now the south is no longer the only one affected by this scourge. For the past two years, the biggest forest and crop fires have also taken center, north, east or west.
# FeuxDeForêt | An episode of hot weather is announced by @meteofrance: respect the right actions to prevent fires, in the forest and in nature.
❌ No fire or barbecue near the forests
❌ No cigarettes in the forest
More information ➡️ https://t.co/AeIbLlkNul pic.twitter.com/8abJeEnozp
"What appeared to us to be abnormal in recent years is becoming regular, hence the need for heightened vigilance," said Grégory Allione, adding that it was more difficult to send reinforcements from one region to another. when all of them are affected.
90% of human origin
As it launches its campaign, the federation calls on the population to help prevent fires, recalling that more than 90% "are of human origin" and that "two thirds of the outbreaks of fire are linked to an accident".
This year, the Covid-19 epidemic will not simplify the task of firefighters, with possibly more French tourists in France, and rescue crews forced to adapt to barrier gestures in intervention, stresses the federation.
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