The National Forestry Office remains ready to intervene despite a very calm summer in the Gard Rhodanien: “a fire can happen very quickly!”

The ONF's mixed patrols are made up of a forestry officer and a firefighter. Arthur Joaquim – Midi Libre

Fabien Brochiero, head of the patrols, explains that the pieces of bark, pushed by the wind, can move the fire over several kilometers. A.J – Midi Libre

Le bois est encore très vert pour la saison. A.J – Midi Libre

Les bords de chemin sont débroussaillés régulièrement pour limiter la propagation des potentiels incendies. A.J – Midi Libre

In Sabran, the National Forestry Office (ONF) agents are increasing their prevention and awareness missions to limit potential forest fires. Despite a particularly calm summer, the mixed patrols remain very vigilant.

In the Vallabrix islet area in Sabran, the ONF patrol arrives in its yellow Dangel 4X4, easily recognizable by its fire hose, its 600-liter water tank at the back, and its blue flashing light.

In the Gard, the 26 ONF patrols have a particularity: they are mixed. Made up of a forestry agent and a firefighter. They participate in the forest fire protection system (DFCI), a public interest mission entrusted by the State to the National Forestry Office.

“90% of fires are of human origin”

At the wheel of the pick-up, Ludovic Tirado, Mediterranean forest protection officer (APFM), and his passenger Gaspard Gleizolle, volunteer firefighter, monitor potential fires on the 7,000 hectares of the zone: “All year round, we do everything we can to limit the damage that potential fires will cause” indicates the ONF agent.

They clear brush, carry out controlled burns and collect data on flora. But they also raise public awareness of the risk of fire: “90% of fires are of human origin” explains Fabien Brochiero, head of the ONF Hérault-Gard-Lozère DFCI division. “Some locals do work in the afternoon, without realizing the risks. A spark from a grinder can have catastrophic consequences. The same goes for barbecues on the banks of the river. It is completely forbidden. We are here to explain, inform and dissuade" adds Ludovic Tirado.

Stay ready

The edges of the path are very green for the end of July : "It's been 10-12 years since we've seen that. Generally at this time, everything is already very dry, and the fire risk is very high." wonders the forester. They hope it lasts. The frequent rains of recent months have been a boon for Fabien Brochiero and the patrollers: "Last year, we had already had 50 fires which had destroyed 200 hectares of forests . This summer, there were only three."

But the mildness of summer does not allow them to relax : "we must remain very vigilant. A few days of drought and everything speeds up. It can go very quickly."

A firefighter-forester duo

“Only”the Gard patrols operate with pairs composed of a forestry agent and a firefighter. And it works very well!” rejoices Fabien Brochiero. With complementary tasks and skills, the duo's understanding allows them to be effective during interventions: “the firefighter brings his expertise to the fire. The agent supports him with his knowledge of the terrain. Communication is essential” specifies Ludovic Tirado. “When a fire starts, it's often short but intense! The first few minutes are crucial” he says.

The task of the two patrollers is of capital importance: to extinguish or limit the spread of the fire while waiting for the firefighters, and to facilitate their access. “Everyone must coordinate to act very quickly" he explains. To facilitate interventions, all patrols are precisely geolocated at all times.

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