“We are the only association of this type in the urban area”: ​​immersed with the volunteers who monitor fires from Villeveyrac

Des contrôles de nuit seront aussi organisés si un risque élevé de vent et de forte chaleur est notifié au CCFF. Midi Libre – Valentine GRAFF

Depuis le 8 juillet, ils sont 19 bénévoles à surveiller les alentours de Villeveyrac pour prévenir les départs d’incendies, tous les après-midi de l’été.

The church clock strikes 12:00. It is time for the CCFF (Communal Forest Fire Committee) patrol of Villeveyrac to set off to survey the heights of the town, looking for potential fires. At the controls of the orange four-wheel drive, Christian Malaise. At his side, Valérie Imbert, president of the association and delegate of the town hall. Every day, they are two pairs who take turns between 12 pm and 6 pm.

Flammable areas that must be monitored

After a few dozen minutes spent on the narrow and rocky paths of the heights of Villeveyrac, we arrive at one of Valérie's favorite “spots”, offering a clear view of the city and its surroundings. Called the Marcouine by the two volunteers, this strategic point allows them to take in the entire valley at a glance. “The essential accessory is binoculars. We have good eyes, but sometimes it's complicated to see everything in detail”, explains Christian.“Despite the rain we've had in recent weeks, the ground remains very dry on the surface. Combined with the wind, the danger becomes very significant. Of course, the areas appear greener than usual, but they remain very flammable”, confides Valérie.

A role of awareness and prevention

Right in the middle of the path, we come across hikers having a picnic. We greet them and Valérie insists before leaving, “don't leave any cigarette butts!”. Raising awareness is an important part of the CCFF's mission. But, their expertise doesn't stop there. “As soon as we come across people or vehicles committing an offence, we note down the registration plates and send them directly to the police,”, explains Valérie.

A valuable aid for firefighters

Their main activity: being at the disposal of firefighters. “We have already had to supply them. We guide those who come from other departments who are not familiar with the area,”, argues Valérie. “We participated the previous year in the evacuation and rehousing of the population of the Borepo campsite”. A recognition from the fire professionals that delights the two volunteers. “They told us that since we started, there have been far fewer fires”, the president rejoices.

There are 19 volunteers who take turns every day. Midi Libre – Valentine GRAFF

Guardians of the territory

During our exchange, Christian interrupts us: “If you don't mind, we're going to do a doubt removal behind the Valmagne abbey. I think it's mist, it forms a slightly grayish smoke. We're going to go there to be sure”. Without further ado, we arrive at the scene. False alarm, nothing to report. Otherwise, the two volunteers would have immediately alerted the firefighters. “Depending on the size of the fire, we are authorized to put it out. If it is too dangerous for us, we wait for the firefighters”, Valérie explains.

On the way back, Christian stops the vehicle abruptly. An electric pole was split in two and a branch had fallen onto the track. Valérie quickly takes photos to send them to the town hall so that these problems can be resolved. “We are obliged to report these anomalies, because in the event of a fire, it would cause the firefighters to lose precious minutes by having to clear the road themselves”, explains Christian Malaise.

The only association of this type in the Agglopôle

“I don't understand how it is possible that we are the only association of this type in the Sète agglomeration. Forest fires are increasing, especially with climate change. We want to show other municipalities that they should follow our example”, concludes Valérie. After several hours spent under a blazing sun and a temperature of around 40 °C, it is time to go home. No fire outbreaks will be reported today.

How to become a volunteer? All residents of the Thau basin can become volunteers. There is only one condition to be part of the association: be of legal age. Having a license is a plus for driving the 4×4. The association is actively looking for new members. To become one, simply contact the Villeveyrac town hall on 04 67 78 06 34.

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