Chloé Lagadou 6:28 p.m., August 13, 2022

This Saturday evening, we can observe a slight lull on the fire front.

Gironde firefighters, supported by national and European reinforcements, have been working on this mega fire since Tuesday.

And to control the flames, firefighters use a special technique: tactical fires.

In this edge, thick black smoke and ashes hang in the air.

Using a torch, the firefighters, dressed in full suits, light tactical fires.

A process that protects unburned areas, explains Sébastien Castel, the spokesperson for the firefighters.

"We light strips of about fifty meters, in order to burn the vegetation and in order to also clean since the ground is peat. At any time, the fire which is buried can take root and come out on a part which is green like that and attack the houses", he explains on Europe 1.

"I cried

These fires are lit by burning firefighters like Hervé.

Even if he is used to it, this Girondin has wet eyes facing this pine forest which goes up in smoke.

"Me, it pains me. I actually cried. It's my heritage and it pains me to burn my forest," he says.

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Only four firefighters authorized to light tactical fires in Gironde

Tactical fire was the only solution to protect homes within 30 meters of the fires.

Jean-Pierre, the group leader of the firefighters on site, makes sure that the fire is well under control.

"We took advantage of an advantageous wave to be able to control it. We manage to know how to orient the fires that we light a little bit. We are not arsonists, we try to light the fire and above all by managing it at the back", explains the firefighter.

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There are few firefighters qualified to light tactical fires.

Currently in Gironde, they are four on the ground.