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Day: 18 August 2025

Arson fears grow as Aude wildfire rages on

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/08/2025

The wildfire that erupted in the Aude on 5th August continues to devastate the region, burning across 16,000 hectares of land and forcing the deployment of more than a thousand firefighters. As flare-ups persist under scorching temperatures and fierce winds, investigators suspect the blaze may have been deliberately started.

The blaze began between the villages of Lagrasse and Ribaute on 5th August, rapidly spreading through forest, scrubland and vineyards. Within 48 hours, 13,000 hectares had already been consumed, marking the largest fire recorded in the French Mediterranean in decades. Entire communities have been left in shock, with dozens of homes destroyed and one confirmed fatality.

An unprecedented state of emergency

More than 1,200 firefighters have been deployed, including 330 dedicated to monitoring the Aude blaze around the clock. Despite containment efforts, flare-ups are reported daily, and experts warn that the fire may not be fully extinguished for several more days. The prefecture has placed the eastern Aude at “extreme risk” of fire, the highest alert since 2016, as a combination of searing heat and dry winds continue to fuel dangerous conditions.

The arson investigation

Prosecutors in Montpellier have confirmed that the possibility of arson is under active investigation. Forensic experts have ruled out natural causes, suggesting that the fire’s origins may be criminal. Given the severity of the damage and loss, two investigative judges have been appointed to oversee the inquiry. Authorities caution, however, that it may take time before a definitive conclusion is reached.

The path ahead

While firefighters have prevented further large-scale spread, the threat remains acute. Officials have warned that the risk of new wildfires will persist well into September as extreme weather continues to grip the region. For the people of the Aude, life is now defined by smoke-filled skies, tireless firefighting operations, and the unanswered question of whether this disaster was sparked by human hands.

See more: 

Southern France ravaged by fast-moving wildfire near Spanish frontier

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Photo credit: Ph. France, Pompier de l’Aude

 

Monaco imposes strict port access restrictions during Monaco Yacht Show

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
18/08/2025

The Government has announced comprehensive access restrictions for Port Hercule during the Monaco Yacht Show, running from 24th to 27th September.

The restrictions will be in effect from midnight on 24th September until 6:30pm on 27th September, with complete overnight closures and badge-only access during daytime hours.

Port Hercule will be completely closed to all maritime traffic between midnight and 7am each day during the event. From 7am to midnight, only vessels with official badges issued by Monaco Yacht Show will be permitted to enter the port.

The government has also imposed a strict speed limit of three knots throughout the harbour for safety reason, reflecting the high-value vessels on display and expected visitor numbers.

Premier superyacht event

The Monaco Yacht Show celebrates its 34th anniversary this year. Since 1991, Port Hercule has transformed annually into an exclusive showcase bringing together elite builders, brokers and  enthusiasts.

This year’s event will feature over 120 superyachts and around 60 luxury tenders. The fleet includes vessels with an average length of 50 metres, plus several mega yacht exceeding 100 metres. Additionally, around 40 new launches will reflect the latest market trends.

Lastly, more than 560 exhibitors recognised for excellence and innovation will showcase cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions.

How to obtain access badges

Boat owners and operators requiring port access during the show must obtain official identification badges directly from Monaco Yacht Show.

Applications open on 18 August and must be completed before the 9 September deadline. Badge requests should be made by calling +377 93 10 41 7

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Main photo credit: Monaco Yacht Show

AS Monaco unveil yellow third kit for 2025-26 season

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
18/08/2025

AS Monaco and Mizuno have revealed the club’s third kit for the upcoming 2025-26 season, featuring a yellow design.

The kit maintains a clean design, with both the AS Monaco coat of arms and Mizuno’s ‘Runbird’ logo in black. The ‘Daghe Munegu’ slogan, already present on the home and away shirts, appears in black letters under the collar on the back of the jersey.

AS Monaco has also highlighted the environmental aspect of the new kit, which is made from 100% recycled polyester.

AS Monaco’s third kit, photo by AS Monaco & Sportpack. 

Japanese-inspired campaign

Following the launch of the game and away jerseys, AS Monaco and Mizuno have created a campaign based on the Japanese concept of ‘MA’ – the art of balance.

The campaign uses yellow shades, reminiscent of sunrise, combined with shadow play to create visual harmony.

The promotional campaign features AS Monaco players Denis Zakaria, Caio Henrique and Eliesse Ben Seghir, alongside summer signings Eric Dier, Ansu Fati and Paul Pogba.

The release completes AS Monaco’s kit collection for the new season, following the earlier unveiling of their home and away strips.

See also: 

AS Monaco unveils Japan-inspired away kit for 2025/26 season

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Main photo credit: AS Monaco & Sportpack.

France issues new cheese recall after mass callback on 12th August

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
18/08/2025

French food safety authorities have extended their nationwide cheese recall, adding seven more products to the list of contaminated dairy items that sparked a mass withdrawal from supermarket shelves earlier last week. 

The latest recalls unannounced between 13th and 14th August on the official Rappel Conso website follow Monday’s extensive action that saw dozens of cheese varieties pulled from major retailers across France due to bacterial contamination fears.

The new additions include both Listeria monocytogenes and E.coli STEC contaminated products, affecting brands sold in mainstream supermarkets including Carrefour and Metro.

Listeria contaminated additions

The Listeria contamination affects three distinct products. CESAR LOSFELD’s Chèvre Buche Barquette (175g) has been recalled with all products bearing expiry dates up to and including 12th August. The goat’s cheese, distributed by Normandie Service Frais, was sold nationwide from 19th June. PAMA’s Fromage Stracciatella, sold loose at the specialist Epicerie Magazzino in Creutzwald and surrounding areas, affects two specific batches with July expiry dates. Meanwhile, DUC DE LOIRE’s Ovale 300g, distributed through Metro stores, covers all products with minimum durability dates up to 12th August.

E.coli contamination hits Chavignol varieties

Several Crottin de Chavignol varieties have been recalled due to suspected E.coli STEC O145 contamination. These include Filière Qualité Carrefour’s Chavignol fermier AOP, sold at cheese counters nationwide between 1st-13th August, and Dubois-Boulay branded Crottin de Chavignol products with various lot numbers. An unbranded Crottin de Chavignol Fermier sold through Carrefour has also been affected, alongside Pasdeloup’s Crottin de Chavignol distributed by SAS Buisson.

All affected Chavignol products originated from the same production facility and were commercialised during the first two weeks of August.

Health warnings intensify

The E.coli contamination carries particularly serious health risks. Authorities warn that Escherichia coli shiga toxinogène (STEC)  can cause bloody diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, and vomiting within a week of consumption. In 5-8% of cases, serious kidney complications may develop, particularly affecting children.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming the recalled products should consult their general practitioner immediately, noting the exact product and purchase details.

For Listeria contamination, the incubation period can extend up to eight weeks, with symptoms including fever, headaches, and muscle aches. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems face heightened risks of severe complications.

Consumer action required 

Shoppers are urged to check their fridges immediately and dispose of any affected products. All recalled items can be returned to the point of purchase for a full refund, regardless of whether a receipt is available.

The recalls remain active until late August and September, with some extending into October, as authorities work to trace the contamination sources across multiple production facilities.

See also: 

France hit by massive cheese recall over Listeria fears

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Main photo credit: Alexander Maasch on Unsplash